Zuffa Boxing has secured its first major title, securing a deal with lineal ring champion and IBF cruiserweight Jai Obetaia in a move that quickly changed the roof of the company’s ambitions.
Both parties confirmed the signing on Friday, although no initial date or partner was disclosed. Dana White publicly welcomed Obadiah to the promotion, marking the first time Zuffa has added a champion with real athleticism to his name rather than a name built for show fights.
Obadiah enters into the covenant with a conspiracy. The 30-year-old southpaw went 3 for 3 in 2025, holding opponents undefeated in each game. His most recent appearance culminated in a knockout of IBF title challenger Huseyin Cinkara on December 6 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The fight was postponed for almost a year after Cinkara suffered an ankle injury in training camp, forcing Obadiah to face David Nyika last January. Nyika has four rounds.
In between those fights, Obadiah demolished undefeated Italian Claudio Squeo handily. The matchup reflected the growing frustration that had already been publicized. Obadiah did not try to hide his displeasure with a group that repeatedly failed to bring his other names into the ring with him.
That unresolved business is the obvious point of tension in this deal. Obadiah was a strong contender for the unification of the cruiserweight division. However, Zuffa Boxing has a clear position. It is not intended to cooperate with criminal bodies. That philosophy has already created its first cards and opens the question of whether Obedia’s goals of the championship and Zuffa’s business can coexist.
Zuffa’s first three events will stream on Paramount Plus from UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Callum Walsh headlines the January 23 opener against Carlos Ocampo. The date of February 1 remains without a main confirmation. The third card on February 14 shows the weight of Efe Ajagba and Charles Martin. None of the fighters involved are carrying joint physical punishments.
Opetaia currently holds the IBF belt in his second reign and has been the line and Ring champion since defeating Mairis Briedis in July 2022. He was disqualified in his first IBF bout for making an incomplete defense at the end of 2023. Since regaining the title in May 2024, he has added four defenses, all by knockout.
His enemies are still visible but far away. WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez is scheduled to face David Benavidez in May. WBC title holder Noel Mikaeljan remains inactive. Obadiah is still spreading their name even as the days go by.
Zuffa has given enough trust by signing him. Whether he can be given the fights he really wants remains an unresolved issue.


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Last updated on 01/16/2026

