Jai Opetaia next fight confirmed: New title up for grabs

Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) is the current IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, and he recently confirmed a co-promotional deal between Zuffa Boxing and Tasman Fighters. His first fight was teased immediately, as was the potential opportunity to fight in unification and undisputed fights. 

Opetaia’s first bout under the Zuffa banner has now been confirmed, with the Aussie set to face American Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs) for the IBF, The Ring and Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight titles.

Jai Opetaia Zuffa Boxing debut confirmed for March 8

Jai Opetaia will make his return to the ring on March 8 at the UFC Apex, as announced by Dana White. The Opetaia-Glanton bout will headline Zuffa Boxing 04, and will see the promotion’s first-ever world champion crowned. Despite Dana White’s early insistence that they would not look to work with governing bodies, this insistence seems to have relaxed following the signing of Opetaia, who said in a social media post at the time of the announcement:

“Pumped for the future.” 

“Exciting times. Let’s get these big fights over the line. Unification, undisputed, soon. Let’s go.”

The future of Jai Opetaia

Opetaia recently spoke to Fight Hub TV and expressed his desire for the biggest fights. He was asked why the Zurdo Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) fight has yet to happen: “Ask him. I’m ready to fight. I’ve been chasing these big fights for quite a while. I wanna call myself undisputed. It is what it is. I’m ready when they are,” said Opetaia.

The Australian was then asked if he feels a fight with David Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) could happen: “If that fight comes, let’s do it. Respectfully, I’ve got a lot of time for him. I’ve seen some of his interviews. He holds himself well. He’s fighting for the right reasons, it’s good, and that’s a massive fight. So, f**k, let’s get it on Benavidez!”

Jai Opetaia against Ramirez or Benavidez gets a big yes from us at Big Fight Weekend!