Jai Obetaia’s Zuffa Signature Has Changed The Unforgettable Way

Obedaiah has entered the cruiserweight division, holds the IBF and Ring belts and is widely regarded as the top fighter in the division. In the past two years, he has often spoken about consolidation as his next goal, pointing to the unmistakable position as the most obvious way to secure his position. Those comments did not change when his Zuffa signing was announced. Control over how to pursue that goal.

Obadiah joins Zuffa as the group’s official leader, but few opportunities are available. His goal was called the unification, a run in all four major belts to remove doubt at cruiserweight. Down Zuffa’s path, that path is no longer available. He can always face the enemy leaders. He can always be shown as the best in the group. He cannot pursue the indisputable crown that he claimed in the past, because he does not know the promotion.

For Zuffa, the move brings instant credibility. An undefeated champion gives the promotion a clear shot as operations begin.

For Obadiah, the deal is a bit more complicated. He has stability and a supporting cast ready to build around him. It also limits the titles that can be hunted.

There is still room for great fights and high level competition. What is no longer part of the picture is the undisputed story that Obadiah spent years focusing on.

Obadiah may still hold his own as the best cruiserweight in the world. He will do it in a way that measures that situation differently.