Zuffa Boxing, led by UFC president Dana White, is set to enter the world of boxing with its first-ever event on January 24th. This highly anticipated debut has already created a buzz in the combat sports community, with fans eagerly waiting to see how Zuffa will shake up the boxing world. However, just days before the event, Zuffa has made a major move that has caught everyone by surprise.
The Saudi-backed promotion has announced the signing of unified Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. This is a huge acquisition for Zuffa, as Opetaia is considered one of the most promising young boxers in the world. The 26-year-old Australian has an impressive record of 20 wins, with 16 of them coming by way of knockout.
Opetaia’s signing is a clear indication of Zuffa’s intent to make a big splash in the boxing world. With his impressive skills and marketability, Opetaia has the potential to become a global superstar under the Zuffa banner. This move also shows that Zuffa is not afraid to compete with the established boxing promotions and is ready to take on the best in the business.
However, what makes this signing even more interesting is the fact that Dana White doesn’t own Opetaia’s complete promotional rights. This is a major change in stance for White, who has always been a strong advocate of the UFC’s model of owning the rights of their fighters. But in this case, Zuffa has made an exception for Opetaia, showing their willingness to adapt and work with different models in the world of boxing.
This decision by Zuffa is a smart move, as it allows them to work with top talent without having to go through the hassle of negotiating with different promoters. It also shows their commitment to providing the best opportunities for their fighters and giving them the platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Opetaia’s signing also brings a new level of excitement to Zuffa’s debut event. He is expected to make his first appearance under the Zuffa banner in the near future, and fans can’t wait to see him in action. With his explosive style and knockout power, Opetaia is sure to deliver an exciting performance that will leave a lasting impression on the boxing world.
But this is just the beginning for Zuffa Boxing. With Opetaia on board, the promotion is expected to make more big moves in the near future. They have already expressed their interest in signing other top boxers, and with their financial backing from Saudi Arabia, they have the resources to make it happen.
Zuffa’s entry into the world of boxing has been met with mixed reactions. Some have welcomed the new competition, while others have raised concerns about the UFC’s track record in the sport. But one thing is for sure, Zuffa Boxing is here to stay, and they are determined to make their mark in the boxing world.
In conclusion, Zuffa Boxing’s signing of Jai Opetaia is a game-changing move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community. It shows their ambition to become a major player in the sport and their willingness to work with different models to achieve their goals. With Opetaia on board, Zuffa Boxing is set to make a big impact on the boxing world, and fans can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. Let the countdown to January 24th begin!
