Tag: Zuffa Boxing

  • Zuffa Boxing 07 Results: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki Live From Bournemouth

    Zuffa Boxing 07 Results: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki Live From Bournemouth

    Zuffa Boxing 07 results are coming in live from Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, Dorset, England, as the seventh event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotion’s first event outside the United States — let alone outside Las Vegas.

    The TKO Group-backed boxing league’s debut in England is headlined by Chris Billam-Smith taking on Ryan Rozicki in cruiserweight action.

    Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.

    How to Watch Zuffa Boxing 07

    • Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
    • Venue: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 11:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM PT
    • Main Card: 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT

    Zuffa Boxing 06 Results

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 12 PM ET)

    Welterweight – Alex MacMillan (3-0) vs. Leo Fanthome (7-2)

    Result: Alex MacMillan def. Leo Fanthome via TKO (Rd. 2, 1:44)

    Light Heavyweight – Leon Hughes (4-0) vs. Mario Vergiev (8-4)

    Result: Leon Hughes def. Mario Vergiev via TKO (Rd. 2, 0:52)

    Heavyweight – Harvey Dykes (7-0-1) vs. Ivan Dychko (15-1)

    Result: Ivan Dychko def. Harvey Dykes via split decision (97-92 x2, 94-95)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 2 PM ET)

    Middleweight – Sam Hickey (4-0) vs. Todd Tompkins (4-0)

    Result: Sam Hickey def. Todd Tompkins via KO (Rd. 2, 1:22)

    Middleweight – Stevie McKenna (15-1) vs. Casey James Streeter (15-3-2)

    Result: Stevie McKenna def. Casey James Streeter via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:04)

    Middleweight – Lee Cutler (15-2) vs. Aaron Sutton (19-2)

    Result: Lee Cutler def. Aaron Sutton via TKO (injury) (Rd. 3, 0:32)

    Cruiserweight – Jack Massey (23-3) vs. Cheavon Clarke (11-2)

    Result: Cheavon Clarke def. Jack Massey via TKO (Rd. 7, 1:24)

    Cruiserweight – Chris Billam-Smith (21-2) vs. Ryan Rozicki (21-1-1)

    Result: Chris Billam-Smith def. Ryan Rozicki via TKO (corner stoppage) (Rd. 7, 3:00)

  • UFC Set to Host Events in Arizona as TKO Signs Three-Year Deal With State Alliance

    UFC Set to Host Events in Arizona as TKO Signs Three-Year Deal With State Alliance

    The UFC is heading to Arizona in a big way. TKO Group Holdings has announced a three-year agreement with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance to bring seven live events to the state — with UFC among the marquee properties set to compete there.

    The deal covers multiple TKO-owned brands, including UFC, WWE, PBR, and Zuffa Boxing, and signals a long-term commitment to Arizona as a key market for live combat sports.

    UFC’s Role in the Partnership

    While TKO has not yet announced which specific UFC events will take place in Arizona, the scope of the deal — seven events over three years — suggests fight fans in the state can expect a regular presence from the promotion. Specific dates, venues, and ticket details are expected to be announced at a later date.

    Peter Dropick, TKO’s Executive Vice President of Event Development and Operations, made clear the company is invested in building something lasting in the region:

    “We’re excited to build this long-term partnership with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance to bring some of our biggest events to the state.”

    Jay Parry, President & CEO of the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance, said the partnership reflects Arizona’s ability to host major sports and entertainment events at the highest level.

    Part of a Growing Live Event Strategy

    TKO described the Arizona partnership as part of a broader push to formalize relationships with government and private entities across the country, securing dedicated markets for its live events pipeline.

    It’s a strategy that makes sense given UFC’s growing live event footprint. The promotion has increasingly leaned into multi-event market agreements to ensure consistent programming for fans outside of Las Vegas.

    TKO Group Holdings owns the UFC, WWE, and PBR outright, and holds a stake in Zuffa Boxing. The company also operates IMG and On Location, its sports marketing and experiential hospitality arms.

    TKO’s Bigger Business Picture

    The Arizona deal comes as TKO continues to post strong financial numbers. The company reported Q1 2026 revenue of $1.597 billion — a 26% increase year-over-year — underscoring the demand for live combat sports content across all of its properties.

    Arizona UFC fans won’t have to wait long for more details. Event announcements are expected in the coming months.

  • Zuffa Boxing 06 Results: Mosley Jr. vs. Bohachuk Live From Las Vegas

    Zuffa Boxing 06 Results: Mosley Jr. vs. Bohachuk Live From Las Vegas

    Zuffa Boxing 06 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas, as the sixth event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotional debut of a boxing standout’s son.

    The TKO Group-backed boxing league brings another night of fights, headlined by Shane Mosley Jr. taking on Serhii Bohachuk in middleweight action.

    Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.

    How to Watch Zuffa Boxing 06

    • Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
    • Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    Zuffa Boxing 06 Results

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 6 PM ET)

    Light Heavyweight – Rakhmatullo Boymatov (0-0) vs. Caleb Hall (6-2-1)

    Result: Rakhmatullo Boymatov def. Caleb Hall via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:42)

    Bantamweight – Emiliano Cardenas (10-0) vs. Alexis Alvarado (9-1-1)

    Result: Alexis Alvarado def. Emiliano Cardenas via majority decision (57-57, 58-56 x2)

    Heavyweight – Damazion Vanhouter (11-0) vs. Raphael Murphy (18-1)

    Result: Damazion Vanhouter def. Raphael Murphy via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:06)

    Lightweight – Justin Viloria (12-0) vs. Cesar Ivan Ortiz (12-0-2)

    Result: Cesar Ivan Ortiz def. Justin Viloria via unanimous decision (78-73, 76-75 x2)

    Light Heavyweight – Raphael Monny (9-0) vs. Suray Mahmutovic (8-1-1)

    Result: Suray Mahmutovic def. Raphael Monny via split decision (75-76, 76-75, 77-74)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    Middleweight – Misael Rodriguez (16-0) vs. Andreas Katzourakis (16-0)

    Result: Andreas Katzourakis def. Misael Rodriguez via unanimous decision (99-91, 97-93, 96-94)

    Welterweight – Julian Rodriguez (21-1) vs. James Perella (21-0)

    Result: Julian Rodriguez def. James Perella via unanimous decision (100-89, 98-91 x2)

    Middleweight – Shane Mosley Jr. (22-5) vs. Serhii Bohachuk (27-3)

    Result: Shane Mosley Jr. def. Serhii Bohachuk via TKO (Rd. 6, 2:38)

  • “All the Goods” – Jai Opetaia Becomes First Zuffa Boxing Champ

    “All the Goods” – Jai Opetaia Becomes First Zuffa Boxing Champ

    It wasn’t even close. Jai Opetaia put on a dominant performance to defeat Brandon Glanton and retain his Ring Magazine cruiserweight title — while also becoming the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion.

    The fight main evented the fourth Zuffa Boxing card, held on March 8 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    After feeling things out for most of the first round, Opetaia managed to work the left hand, even when standing and circling on the outside. Even as Glanton tried to cut off the ring, Opetaia was landing the better punches through the first two rounds.

    Opetaia appeared to be in a comfortable groove by round three, and he appeared to do damage with his uppercuts and hooks in the fourth. Glanton tried to get inside and managed to do so in the fifth; however, Opetaia was ready with combinations and continued to land.

    Glanton was deducted one point in the sixth round for excessive holding. It didn’t matter much, however, as Opetaia’s control remained. Glanton was even deducted another point in round eight after hitting Opetaia with a low blow.

    Opetaia didn’t finish Glanton but continued to remain in firm control, even wobbling him in the bout’s final minute. Opetaia nearly swept the judges’ scorecards to take a clear one-sided decision for all the gold.

    Jai Opetaia Becomes Inaugural Zuffa Boxing Cruiserweight Champion At Zuffa Boxing 04

    Opetaia now moves to 30-0. This marked his eighth straight defense of the Ring cruiserweight title. Opetaia was also the IBF cruiserweight champion, having held the title twice within the past couple of years, but the IBF stripped him due to the organization not sanctioning the fight.

    Glanton has still won four of his last six, but he’s now 1-2 in his last three fights. Prior to tonight’s loss, he scored a sixth-round TKO win over Marcus Browne in October.

  • Zuffa Boxing 04 Results: Opetaia vs. Glanton Live From Las Vegas

    Zuffa Boxing 04 Results: Opetaia vs. Glanton Live From Las Vegas

    Zuffa Boxing 04 results are coming in live from Meta APEX in Las Vegas, as the fourth event from Dana White’s boxing promotion will see the promotion’s first-ever champion crowned.

    The TKO Group-backed boxing league brings another night of fights, headlined by a fight between the undefeated Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton to determine the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion. Opetaia’s Ring Magazine cruiserweight title will also be at stake.

    What will not be at stake, however, is the IBF cruiserweight title, as the sanctioning body elected to strip Opetaia, as the IBF does not recognize Zuffa Boxing as a legitimate sanctioning body.

    Joe Tessitore calls the action alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.

    How to Watch Zuffa Boxing 04

    • Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
    • Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    Zuffa Boxing 04 Results

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 6 PM ET)

    Featherweight – Emiliano Alvarado (10-0) vs. Erick Rosado (16-4)

    Result: Emiliano Alvarado def. Erick Rosado via unanimous decision (59-54 x3)

    Lightweight – Brady Ochoa (9-0) vs. Adrian Serrano (6-0-1)

    Result: Brady Ochoa vs. Adrian Serrano goes to a majority draw (58-56, 57-57 x2)

    Featherweight – Jaycob Ramos (4-1) vs. Ethan Perez (8-0)

    Result: Jaycob Ramos vs. Ethan Perez goes to a majority draw (57-55, 56-56 x2)

    Heavyweight – Joshua Juarez (14-0) vs. Jardae Anderson (11-1)

    Result: Joshua Juarez def. Jardae Anderson via unanimous decision (79-73, 78-74, 77-75)

    Welterweight – Vlad Panin (23-2) vs. Shinard Bunch (22-3-1)

    Result: Vlad Panin def. Shinard Bunch via TKO (Rd. 9, 2:29)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    Featherweight – Adan Palma (14-0) vs. Pablo Rubio Jr. (14-0)

    Result: Paulo Rubio Jr. def. Adan Palma via unanimous decision (77-73 x2, 76-74)

    Welterweight – Ricardo Salas (22-2-2) vs. Jesus Saracho (16-2-2)

    Result: Ricardo Salas def. Jesus Saracho via TKO (Rd. 8, 2:05)

    Ring Magazine & inaugural ZUFFA Cruiserweight Championship – (RM c.) Jai Opetaia (29-0) vs. Brandon Glanton (21-3)

    Result: Jai Opetaia def. Brandon Glanton via unanimous decision (119-106 x3)

  • Zuffa Boxing Z01 Fight Night Preview: Walsh vs. Ocampo Headlines Historic Debut

    Zuffa Boxing Z01 Fight Night Preview: Walsh vs. Ocampo Headlines Historic Debut

    Dana White’s long-awaited entry into professional boxing finally arrives tonight when Zuffa Boxing presents its inaugural card at the newly renamed Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The eight-bout event marks a historic moment for TKO Group Holdings as the UFC’s parent company expands into the sweet science with an ambitious plan to revolutionize the sport.

    • Main Event: Undefeated Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0, 11 KOs) faces experienced Mexican veteran Carlos Ocampo (38-3, 26 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight clash
    • Historic Launch: First official Zuffa Boxing card under the new Paramount+ broadcasting deal, one night before UFC 324
    • How to Watch: Paramount+ exclusive, prelims at 6 PM ET, main card at 9 PM ET

    A New Era for Boxing Begins Tonight

    White has teased Zuffa Boxing since 2017, but the promotion has finally come to fruition through a partnership between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela. The venture is led by White, WWE President Nick Khan, and Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh. With plans to build a 200-fighter roster and a guaranteed 12 cards in 2026, Zuffa Boxing aims to bring UFC-style matchmaking and production values to the boxing world.

    The timing is strategic, with tonight’s debut arriving one night before UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett at T-Mobile Arena, creating a combat sports doubleheader weekend as both properties launch on Paramount+. Joe Tessitore will be on the lead play-by-play call alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.

    Official Weigh-In Results

    All 16 fighters successfully made weight on Thursday, setting the stage for tonight’s historic card:

    Match Weight/Rounds
    Callum Walsh (159.5 lbs) vs. Carlos Ocampo (159.5 lbs) Middleweight / 10 Rounds (Main Event)
    Misael Rodriguez (159 lbs) vs. Austin Deanda (158.5 lbs) Middleweight / 10 Rounds (Co-Main)
    Cain Sandoval (144.5 lbs) vs. Julian Rodriguez (144 lbs) Welterweight / 10 Rounds
    Omar Trinidad (125.5 lbs) vs. Max Ornelas (125.5 lbs) Featherweight / 10 Rounds
    Floyd Diaz vs. Guillermo Gutierrez Bantamweight / 8 Rounds
    Emiliano Cardenas vs. Marcus Harris Bantamweight / 6 Rounds
    Robert Meriwether III vs. Cesar Correa Catchweight (133 lbs) / 6 Rounds
    Troy Nash vs. Jaycob Ramos Featherweight (Opening Bout)

    Fight Previews

    Main Event: Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo

    The 24-year-old Walsh has emerged as one of boxing’s brightest prospects under the guidance of legendary trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Club. The Cork, Ireland native has built an impressive 15-0 record with 11 knockouts, showcasing devastating power from his southpaw stance. Walsh earned his biggest career win on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford undercard in September, outpointing Fernando Vargas Jr. over 12 rounds at Allegiant Stadium.

    Tonight marks Walsh’s return to 160 pounds after campaigning at super welterweight, and he weighed in at a career-heaviest 159.5 lbs. The WBC Continental Americas super welterweight champion enters as a heavy -700 favorite with the oddsmakers, with Ocampo available at +450.

    Walsh currently holds the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title and is ranked among the top 10 by multiple sanctioning bodies. His aggressive, come-forward style and heavy hands have made him a favorite of Dana White, who has championed the Irishman’s career through the UFC Fight Pass “Hollywood Fight Nights” series promoted by Tom Loeffler.

    Ocampo brings a wealth of experience to tonight’s matchup. The 30-year-old Mexican has challenged for world titles on multiple occasions, including a 2018 IBF welterweight title shot against Errol Spence Jr. and a WBO interim super welterweight title fight against Tim Tszyu in 2023. While both of those bouts ended in first-round knockout defeats, Ocampo has bounced back with three consecutive knockout victories heading into tonight’s clash. With 26 knockouts in 38 wins, the Ensenada native possesses legitimate power that Walsh cannot afford to overlook.

    Co-Main Event: Misael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda

    Mexico’s Misael Rodriguez (15-0, 7 KOs) continues to build on his Olympic legacy. The 30-year-old won a bronze medal in the middleweight division at the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming Mexico’s first boxing medalist since 2000. Rodriguez’s path to the Games was remarkable, having to beg for money on the streets and buses of Mexico City to fund his Olympic journey after the Mexican Boxing Federation faced funding cuts.

    In his most recent outing, Rodriguez outclassed Omar Chavez (son of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez) over 10 rounds in January 2025, demonstrating the technical prowess that made him an Olympian. Managed by former world champion Abner Mares, Rodriguez is looking to make a statement against the undefeated Deanda (17-0, 11 KOs) from Amherst, Virginia, who enters as a relative unknown but carries serious power with 11 knockouts in 17 fights. Rodriguez is a -700 favorite while Deanda is +450.

    Cain Sandoval vs. Julian Rodriguez

    Sacramento’s Cain Sandoval (17-0, 15 KOs) enters tonight as the -230 favorite against New Jersey’s Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (24-1, 15 KOs), who is available at +180. The 23-year-old “Sugar” Sandoval has stopped his last four opponents and has been a regular on UFC Fight Pass programming.

    Rodriguez rides momentum from the biggest win of his career. In June 2025, the 31-year-old from Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey delivered a stunning knockout of previously unbeaten prospect Avious Griffin on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. undercard. Rodriguez overcame an eighth-round knockdown to stop Griffin with just five seconds remaining in the final round, silencing critics who questioned whether his opponent’s 17-0 record was legitimate. Both men have knockout power to end the fight at any moment, making this an intriguing clash of styles.

    Omar Trinidad vs. Max Ornelas

    The featured preliminary bout pits former Ring Magazine top-10 featherweight Omar Trinidad (19-0-2, 13 KOs) against Las Vegas native Max Ornelas (17-2-2, 6 KOs). Trinidad remains unbeaten through 21 pro fights despite collecting two draws, and his 13 knockouts, 11 coming inside four rounds, demonstrate his finishing ability. Trinidad is a -265 favorite while hometown fighter Ornelas is +205.

    Undercard Action

    The preliminary card features several intriguing matchups. Troy Nash (5-0-1) and Jaycob Ramos (4-0) have the honor of opening the Zuffa Boxing era, with both eager to etch their names in history as the first fighter to claim victory under the new promotion’s banner. Bantamweights Emiliano “El Gallo Negro” Cardenas (9-0, 4 KOs), a protégé of two-time BWAA Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, faces Marcus Harris (7-1) in a six-round contest. Undefeated Floyd Diaz (13-0) takes on Guillermo Gutierrez (13-2) in an eight-round bantamweight bout, while lightweights Robert “King” Meriwether III (9-0) and Cesar “C Money” Correa (5-0) square off at a 133-pound catchweight.

    How to Watch Tonight

    • Date/Time: Tonight, Friday, January 23, 2026, Prelims at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT, Main Card at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
    • Venue: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Price: Included with Paramount+ subscription
    • Broadcast Team: Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Max Kellerman, Andre Ward

    Don’t Miss MMA News Coverage

    Stay tuned to MMANews.com for complete Zuffa Boxing 01 coverage, including live results, fight recaps, and post-event news as Dana White’s boxing venture officially gets underway tonight.

  • Zuffa Boxing Z01 Launches January 23 at UFC APEX on Paramount+

    Zuffa Boxing Z01 Launches January 23 at UFC APEX on Paramount+

    Dana White’s long-awaited boxing venture officially kicks off on Friday, January 23, when Zuffa Boxing presents its debut event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

    The event, branded as Z01, marks the first regular-series card under Zuffa Boxing’s long-term media rights agreement with Paramount. It arrives one night before UFC 324, creating a combat sports doubleheader weekend as TKO Group Holdings launches both properties on the streaming platform.

    “We are planning to launch our first boxing show on January 23, which is the night before our first UFC show on P-Sky,” TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed. “Back-to-back nights. A big weekend for TKO, to say the least.”

    The card features Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0) facing Carlos Ocampo in the main event, with Serhii Bohachuk meeting former WBA welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev in the co-main.

    Zuffa Boxing operates as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela, with leadership from White and WWE President Nick Khan. The promotion has signed multiple fighters including former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela, Vito Mielnicki Jr., and Justin Viloria, with plans to build a 200-fighter roster.

    Z01 airs at 9 PM ET on Paramount+, followed by UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

    Zuffa Boxing’s Paramount+ Deal

    The January 23 debut fulfills the landmark media rights agreement announced in September 2025 between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings. Under the long-term deal, Paramount+ serves as the exclusive home of Zuffa Boxing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

    The agreement guarantees 12 Zuffa Boxing cards in 2026, with plans to expand in subsequent years. Select events may also simulcast on CBS and other Paramount platforms.

    “I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” Dana White said when the deal was announced. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”

    Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, added: “This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around.”

    Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer for Paramount, called the partnership “a bold new chapter – not just for us, but for the future of boxing,” emphasizing the deal advances Paramount’s priorities of delivering premium sports and year-round marquee live events to subscribers.

  • Zuffa Boxing Broadcast Deal Puts Events On Paramount Platforms Starting 2026

    Zuffa Boxing Broadcast Deal Puts Events On Paramount Platforms Starting 2026

    Zuffa Boxing has found its exclusive streaming home with Paramount+.

    On Monday, TKO Group, the parent company of UFC and WWE, revealed that its boxing promotion will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, with Paramount Skydance Corp. serving as the exclusive broadcast partner.

    The partnership will kick off in 2026 with 12 live cards and supplemental programming, with plans for further expansion in the years ahead.

    According to a press release, the fights will be accessible through Paramount’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, Paramount+. Beyond 2026, the number of live cards is set to grow, with select bouts also slated to air on CBS and other Paramount streaming platforms.

    Zuffa Boxing is the newly launched professional boxing promotion created by TKO Group in partnership with entertainment conglomerate Sela. It is led by a powerhouse team including UFC CEO Dana White, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Sela CEO Dr. Rakan Alharthy, and WWE President and TKO director Nick Khan.

    The announcement comes on the heels of UFC’s major broadcasting shift from ESPN to Paramount, sealed last month with a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal set to begin in 2026. Under the agreement, UFC will feature a full schedule of 13 premier numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, marking a move away from most traditional pay-per-view models.

    Dana White and Turki Alalshikh
    Image: @Turki_alalshikh/Instagram

    Dana White Weighs In On Zuffa Boxing Deal With Paramount

    Dana White expressed his enthusiasm about the Zuffa Boxing deal with Paramount. The UFC CEO highlighted that the partnership will bring high-quality boxing to a global audience, giving fans access to both rising talent and established stars.

    “I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” White said in a press release. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”

    Image: CBSSports.com
  • Zuffa Boxing Nearing Broadcast Deal With Paramount

    Zuffa Boxing Nearing Broadcast Deal With Paramount

    Another piece of the ventures under the Dana White umbrella — let alone the TKO umbrella — may soon be joining Paramount in short time.

    Per a report from John Ourand of The Puck, Zuffa Boxing is likely to sign a broadcasting deal with Paramount, with an announcement coming as soon as possibly next week.

    MMA Fighting adds that the nearing deal may connect with White’s social media posts last week that originally teased a big day before stating he jumped the gun on the post.

    Zuffa Boxing Near Deal With Paramount

    If this report is true, it would give TKO its second combat sports broadcasting deal with Paramount following its merger with Skydance. Last month, the UFC and Paramount agreed to a seven-year, $7.7 million deal that would see UFC events broadcasted on the Paramount+ streaming service, with certain numbered cards simulcasted on linear CBS channels.

    It was reported last month that the two sides were in “advanced talks.”

    Zuffa Boxing — run by UFC CEO and President Dana White, as well as WWE President Nick Khan, and financially backed by the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority — officially launches in 2026, following its promotion of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight earlier this month.

    TKO is looking at holding monthly Zuffa Boxing cards, as well as a couple of special “supercards” in a calendar year.

  • Paramount In Advanced Talks, Nearing Deal With Zuffa Boxing

    Paramount In Advanced Talks, Nearing Deal With Zuffa Boxing

    Just one day after Paramount acquired the UFC in a major money deal, they look to suddenly be adding another piece of the TKO pie to their empire.

    Per a report from Front Office Sports, Paramount is now being considered the “front-runner” to acquire Zuffa Boxing, the TKO-backed boxing promotion that is being overseen by Dana White, the CEO and president of the UFC, and Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia.

    This news comes approximately 30 hours after the UFC inked a new $7.7 billion U.S. broadcasting rights deal with Paramount, which is slated to begin in January.

    Terms of a deal are currently unavailable.

    Zuffa Boxing is slated to begin as a fight league in 2026; however, they will serve as the main promoter for the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight that takes place in Las Vegas on September 13 and airs on Netflix.

    The FOS report states TKO will promote 2-3 “super fights” per year with Saudi Arabia.

    Zuffa Boxing Nearing Deal With Paramount One Day After New UFC U.S. Broadcasting Agreement

    “This is a low risk and TKO receives a roughly $10 million fee for serving as the managing partner and providing day-to-day operational management oversight,” Shapiro said in an earnings call last week. “And that’s all margin for us. TKO has no funding obligation.

    “We get a fee to promote it, each one of these super fights. We get a fee to negotiate the media rights for each fight, which IMG does. So another reason we’re strong and proud that we brought IMG into the fold of our flywheel. We get a fee for On Location to sell hospitality packages. And we will put Zuffa Boxing fighters on the undercard of each of these super fights. We expect to net on average another 10 million [dollars] for every super fight we manage and promote.”

    The UFC’s new broadcasting deal in the U.S. with Paramount, signed on August 11, will see 43 fight cards (13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Night cards) air on the Paramount+ streaming service. A number of those numbered cards (White and TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro have given differing answers) will be simulcast on the linear CBS network.

    Certain platforms, however, were not part of the agreement. Zuffa Boxing was one of these, as well as Dana White’s Contender Series, The Ultimate Fighter, and Road to UFC.

    White teased yesterday that a broadcasting partner for Zuffa Boxing had been agreed upon but not yet announced. This included speculation on if ESPN would be involved in airing Zuffa Boxing after it parted ways with Top Rank Boxing last month.

    ESPN is the current home of the UFC, though that deal expires in December. Last week, ESPN signed a five-year, $325 million U.S. broadcasting deal with the WWE, also under the TKO umbrella, to broadcast their Premium Live Events (PLEs) on their new direct-to-consumer ESPN app that launched Thursday, August 21.

    Like the UFC-Paramount deal, Alalshikh announced last month that all Riyadh Season boxing cards, which air on DAZN, will no longer be pay-per-view beginning in November.

  • Dana White: Zuffa Boxing TV Deal Done, Announcement Coming – ESPN in the Mix?

    Dana White: Zuffa Boxing TV Deal Done, Announcement Coming – ESPN in the Mix?

    Just as one broadcasting deal for Dana White’s combat sports empire got done, another one might be on its way.

    It’s been noted that the UFC’s $7.7 billion deal with Paramount only includes the numbered UFC events and Fight Night cards — nothing for Dana White’s Contender Series, The Ultimate Fighter, Road to UFC, or Zuffa Boxing.

    However, in a new interview with Sports Business Journal, White says that a broadcasting for Zuffa Boxing has been completed, just not announced yet.

    “We’ll see how this plays out,” White simply stated.

    Zuffa Boxing Broadcasting Deal To Be Announced, Could ESPN Be In Plans?

    Sports Business Journal also made reference to a report from World Boxing News last week that ESPN, whose deal with the UFC ends in December, may be involved in broadcasting Zuffa Boxing.

    ESPN’s broadcasting deal with Top Rank Boxing concluded at the end of July, and World Boxing News suggested ESPN looked at a potential deal with Zuffa Boxing as a “trade” of sorts.

    Top Rank Boxing’s end on ESPN means there is no boxing on any American television broadcast or cable channel for the first time in 80+ years.

    Zuffa Boxing and its parent company, TKO, also parent company of the UFC and WWE, have also been a key supporter of the much-debated Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. The act would allow for fighters to pursue opportunities with UBOs — which Zuffa Boxing would be, where the promoters can award their own championships, host their own events, and rank their own fighters — as opposed to the major sanctioning alphabet organizations.

    White’s UFC signed a new U.S. broadcasting deal with Paramount on August 11, bringing 43 UFC events — 13 numbered cards and 30 UFC Fight Night cards — to Paramount+, with certain numbered cards airing on the linear CBS channel.