Jai Opetaia signs with new promotional company – ‘pumped for the future’

Zuffa Boxing recently confirmed its plans for 12 shows throughout 2026. They have announced their first show for January 23, headlined by Callum Walsh vs Carlos Ocampo in a 10-round middleweight bout at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The next card looks set for February 14, headlined by Charles Martin vs Efe Ajagba. Dana White and Co. have now made their biggest move yet: a promotional partnership with Tasman fighters to co-promote the current IBF cruiserweight champion, Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs).

Jai Opetaia signs with Zuffa Boxing

Zuffa Boxing was formed by TKO and Sela, with a leadership consisting of Dana White, the president and CEO of UFC; Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, and owner of The Ring. Making up the company’s leadership is Sela managing director and CEO Dr. Rakan AlHarthy, and WWE president Nick Khan, who is also a TKO board member. 

This leadership has made it clear that they wish to start something new in boxing, and their proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act have attracted a plethora of criticism, but they appear unmoved. The signing of Jai Opetaia is a clear statement of intent by Zuffa.

In a social media video announcing his move to Zuffa, the Aussie fighter said: “Pumped for the future.” 

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

What’s next for Jai Opetaia?

This is an intriguing move by Opetaia and an impressive signing for Zuffa. It remains to be seen what impact Zuffa will make in boxing and whether this is a good move for the Aussie fighter.

Dana White has spoken openly about not wanting to work with sanctioning organisations and even expressed a desire to put them out of business. It’s great to hear Opetaia talking about unification and undisputed fights, but it feels hugely contradictory with what White has said publicly.

The announcement from Tasman fighters confirmed that news of Opetaia’s next fight will be announced imminently.