Dana White Slams IBF Over Jai Opetaia Treatment

UFC President criticizes boxing organization's decision to withdraw title fight sanction

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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UFC President Dana White has strongly criticized the International Boxing Federation (IBF) over their treatment of Australian boxer Jai Opetaia ahead of his U.S. debut fight against Brandon Glanton. The IBF announced they were withdrawing their sanction of the fight, citing Zuffa Boxing's failure to properly characterize their title as a genuine world championship. White claims Opetaia had already paid his sanctioning fee and the IBF's decision came after their representative arrived and demanded a per diem.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the UFC's new Zuffa Boxing venture and the traditional boxing sanctioning bodies. White has previously expressed his unwillingness to work with these organizations, and this latest dispute could foreshadow more conflict as Zuffa continues to expand into the sport of boxing.

The details

Opetaia was set to defend his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles, as well as compete for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing championship, in his U.S. debut fight against Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas. However, the IBF released a statement saying they were withdrawing their sanction of the fight, citing Zuffa's failure to properly characterize their title. A report claimed the IBF president felt disrespected by how their belt was displayed at the pre-fight press conference. Despite the IBF's decision, Opetaia carried the belt with him to the weigh-in and completed the organization's mandatory fight day weight check.

  • Opetaia is set to face Brandon Glanton in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 9, 2026 (Monday, March 10, 2026 in Australia).
  • The IBF released their statement withdrawing sanction of the fight this week, ahead of the scheduled bout.

The players

Dana White

The President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who is looking to make a splash in boxing with Zuffa Boxing.

Jai Opetaia

A 30-year-old Australian boxer who was set to defend his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles, as well as compete for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing championship, in his U.S. debut fight.

Brandon Glanton

Opetaia's opponent in the scheduled fight in Las Vegas.

Daryl Peoples

The President of the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

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What they’re saying

“This guy defended their title for four years, paid his sanctioning fee. The f***in' guy who's the supervisor or whatever he is flies here, lands and says, 'Hey, where's my per diem?' We give him his per diem, he jumps back on the f***in' plane and flies back and they put out a press release.”

— Dana White, UFC President (Sporting News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.