Jai Opetaia defeats Brandon Glanton to claim Zuffa cruiserweight title

Australian boxer Jai Opetaia wins inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight championship in Las Vegas

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In the main event of Zuffa 04 in Las Vegas, undefeated Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia defeated Brandon Glanton to claim the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight championship. Opetaia, the current Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, added the new Zuffa title to his collection with a hard-fought victory over the durable Glanton at the Meta Apex.

Why it matters

This bout marked Opetaia's U.S. debut, as the 30-year-old knockout artist looked to make a statement on the global stage. The fight also had added significance as the IBF had threatened to strip Opetaia of his title if he competed in the unsanctioned Zuffa event, adding extra drama to the proceedings.

The details

Opetaia and Glanton put on an entertaining cruiserweight clash, with the Australian's superior speed and power proving to be the difference. Opetaia dropped Glanton in the 8th round and then finished him off in the 10th to secure the victory and the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight championship.

  • The fight took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
  • Opetaia and Glanton entered the ring around 6:10 pm local time (3:10 pm PDT).

The players

Jai Opetaia

A 30-year-old undefeated Australian cruiserweight boxer who is the current Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion.

Brandon Glanton

A 34-year-old American cruiserweight boxer who was looking to score the biggest win of his career against Opetaia.

Zuffa

The promotion company that hosted the Zuffa 04 event, which featured the cruiserweight title fight between Opetaia and Glanton.

IBF

The International Boxing Federation, which had threatened to strip Opetaia of his title if he competed in the unsanctioned Zuffa event.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The IBF will likely review Opetaia's title status in the wake of his participation in the Zuffa event.

The takeaway

Opetaia's victory over Glanton not only earned him the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight championship, but also showcased his talent on the global stage as he looks to unify the cruiserweight division.