Zuffa Boxing has revealed the true nature of its long-awaited entry into the sport, confirming a full three-fight lineup for its first show, Zuffa Boxing 01, which is set for January 23 at UFC Apex.
The card was confirmed via the official X statement and will be broadcast live on Paramount+ starting at 9pm ET. All three contests are scheduled for ten rounds, a clear sign that Zuffa is aiming for fights prepared by television rather than filling the infrastructure.
The main event pits Irish junior middleweight Callum Walsh against Mexican veteran Carlos Ocampo. Walsh enters undefeated after 15 fights and remains one of the most established prospects in the division. Ocampo, a familiar name among opposing defenders, brings the consistency and strength that should make it clear where Walsh sits when the rounds stretch and stop.
The main event features Olympic bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez against Austin Deanda. Rodriguez has been looking for a professional level since his conversion, while Deanda has built a reputation as a tough, tough opponent. This is the kind of representation that quietly plans to transform an Olympic brand beyond marketing.
Opening the campaign is a meeting between Julian Rodriguez and the undefeated boxer Cain Sandoval, who has been busy and active in the last year. For Sandoval, it’s a step toward managing the show. For Rodriguez, it was a quick test against power.
The sequel is based on the Apex graphics that Zuffa is best known for. No more. No filling. There’s just enough structure to see how this promotion works when the bell rings.
Walsh’s latest outing did little to further that story. His ten-round decision win over Fernando Vargas on the Canelo-Crawford undercard last September was effective but unspectacular, drawing a muted response from viewers who expected a bigger statement on a bigger stage.
The response online reflected that displeasure, with some questioning whether Walsh’s development matched his exposure. The Ocampo fight provides an opportunity to relive those feelings under the conditions of repeated rounds and strikes.
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Last updated on 01/16/2026

