Aussie Boxer Jai Opetaia Set for Zuffa Boxing Debut

Undefeated cruiserweight star to fight for inaugural Zuffa title against Brandon Glanton

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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One of boxing's most promising cruiserweights, the undefeated Australian fighter Jai Opetaia, is set to make his debut in Dana White's new Zuffa Boxing promotion. Opetaia will face Brandon Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight title at The Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Why it matters

Opetaia's Zuffa debut is highly anticipated, as the 29-0 cruiserweight is seen as one of the rising stars in the division. His fight against Glanton for the first Zuffa cruiserweight title will be a chance for Opetaia to make a statement and further establish himself as one of the best 200-pound fighters in the world.

The details

Opetaia, who has 23 knockouts in his 29 professional wins, says he's ready for the challenge of Glanton, who has a 21-3 record with 18 KOs. The Australian fighter acknowledges the sacrifices required to prepare for a fight of this magnitude, including spending nearly two months away from home during training camp and balancing brutal workouts with constant media obligations.

  • Opetaia will make his Zuffa Boxing debut on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • The fight against Brandon Glanton will be for the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight title.

The players

Jai Opetaia

An undefeated Australian cruiserweight boxer with a 29-0 record and 23 knockouts, who is making his debut in Dana White's new Zuffa Boxing promotion.

Brandon Glanton

Opetaia's opponent, a cruiserweight boxer with a 21-3 record and 18 knockouts, who will be challenging for the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight title.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who is launching a new boxing promotion called Zuffa Boxing.

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What they’re saying

“There was a lot of noise when I signed, but to be the first to fight for a ZUFFA belt, I'm proud to do that.”

— Jai Opetaia, Boxer (TMZ Sports)

“We've signed a new contract, but we still do the same work. We're in the trenches every day -- training hard, sparring, getting punched in the head, punching people in the head. Blood, sweat and tears.”

— Jai Opetaia, Boxer (TMZ Sports)

“Not only do I have to train my ass off and be the best fighter in the world, I've got to sing and dance and do interviews and try to be sellable. It's a weird balance.”

— Jai Opetaia, Boxer (TMZ Sports)

“I'm ready to die. I live and die by the sword. This is my life.”

— Jai Opetaia, Boxer (TMZ Sports)

What’s next

The winner of the Opetaia-Glanton fight will become the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight champion.

The takeaway

Jai Opetaia's Zuffa Boxing debut is a highly anticipated event, as the undefeated Australian cruiserweight looks to make a statement and solidify his status as one of the best fighters in the division. His willingness to make major sacrifices and put it all on the line against a tough opponent in Brandon Glanton shows his commitment to becoming a champion.