Former Featherweight Champion Magsayo Signs With Zuffa Boxing

The 28-2 Filipino fighter will make his debut in the lightweight division on April 5th.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo has signed with Zuffa Boxing, the new promotion founded by UFC president Dana White. Magsayo, who has a professional record of 28-2 with 18 knockouts, will make his debut for Zuffa on April 5th in the lightweight division. The 30-year-old Filipino fighter previously held the WBC World Featherweight title, which he won in January 2022 before losing it in his next fight.

Why it matters

Zuffa Boxing has been steadily building its roster of talent as it aims to establish itself as a major player in the sport. The signing of Magsayo, a former world champion, is a significant coup for the promotion as it looks to attract high-profile fighters and put on compelling matchups for fans.

The details

Magsayo won the WBC World Featherweight title in January 2022 with a majority decision victory over Gary Russell Jr. However, he lost the belt in his next fight against Rey Vargas. After two consecutive defeats, Magsayo went on a four-fight winning streak, claiming the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight title in his last bout in July 2025. Now, the 30-year-old will look to make his mark in the lightweight division under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

  • Magsayo won the WBC World Featherweight title in January 2022.
  • Magsayo lost the featherweight title in his next fight against Rey Vargas.
  • Magsayo went on a four-fight winning streak, claiming the WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight title in July 2025.
  • Magsayo will make his Zuffa Boxing debut on April 5th, 2026.

The players

Mark Magsayo

A 30-year-old Filipino boxer with a professional record of 28-2 and 18 knockouts. He previously held the WBC World Featherweight title.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has also founded the new Zuffa Boxing promotion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My goal is to headline a show and make a great night of boxing for the fans who are following Zuffa Boxing... I have been there [at the top of boxing], and I know I can give a good show for the boxing fans and everybody who comes to watch.”

— Mark Magsayo (BoxingScene)

What’s next

Magsayo is expected to compete in the lightweight division for Zuffa Boxing, with his debut fight scheduled for April 5th, 2026. The promotion has not yet announced an opponent for Magsayo's first fight under the Zuffa banner.

The takeaway

The signing of former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is a significant addition to Zuffa Boxing's growing roster of talent. As the promotion continues to establish itself, the arrival of high-profile fighters like Magsayo will help attract more attention and build anticipation for its upcoming events.