Opetaia Chases Undisputed Cruiserweight Title in Zuffa Boxing Debut

Australia's Jai Opetaia takes on Brandon Glanton for Zuffa Boxing's inaugural cruiserweight title

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jai Opetaia, the IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut this weekend in Las Vegas against Brandon Glanton. Opetaia, who has flattened nearly every opponent he's faced, is seeking to unify the cruiserweight division and become the undisputed champion.

Why it matters

Opetaia is one of the top cruiserweights in the world, but has struggled to get the attention and recognition he deserves in Australia. His move to Zuffa Boxing represents a chance for him to raise his profile and secure the undisputed title he's been chasing for the past two years.

The details

Opetaia, who has a 29-0 record with 23 knockouts, will be defending his IBF and Ring Magazine titles against the hard-hitting American Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs). Glanton has been knocking on the door of a world title for years, and this fight represents his biggest opportunity yet.

  • Opetaia last fought in December 2025, scoring an eighth-round knockout of Huseyin Cinkara to defend his titles.
  • Glanton last fought in October 2025, scoring a sixth-round stoppage win over Marcus Browne.

The players

Jai Opetaia

The IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, who is seeking to become the undisputed champion in the division.

Brandon Glanton

The American challenger, who has been knocking on the door of a world title for much of his career.

Zuffa Boxing

The new fight promotion venture co-founded by Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh, which has signed Opetaia to a contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Zuffa Boxing has changed the game. These are the cards you've got to be on. [Before I signed] there was a mention of unification. We've obviously got a job to do before we get there [but] they said that they can get me the WBC. The WBO and the WBA, they're being a bit harder for us to deal with, but I'm confident that if we keep winning, these fights have to happen.”

— Jai Opetaia (ESPN)

“I know he's tough. I know he's strong. And I know he's going to come to fight. Regardless of who I'm fighting, we prepare for war. We've been training hard and we're ready to go. I'm f---ing ready!”

— Jai Opetaia (ESPN)

What’s next

If Opetaia defeats Glanton, he will likely turn his attention to securing a unification bout against either Gilberto Ramirez (WBA/WBO champion) or Noel Mikaelian (WBC champion).

The takeaway

Jai Opetaia's move to Zuffa Boxing represents a chance for the talented Australian cruiserweight to raise his profile and secure the undisputed title he's been chasing. Despite his dominance in the ring, Opetaia has struggled to gain the same level of attention as some of his more outspoken counterparts, but a win over Glanton could be the start of a new chapter in his quest to become the undisputed champion.