Zuffa Boxing is still in the middle of its initial launch but continues to aggressively plan for the immediate future.
BoxingScene has learned that two more dates are already in the mix with four others either already completed or currently scheduled. Following its March 8 “Zuffa Boxing 04” show, the promotion has plans in store to stage shows on April 5 and May 10 – Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day, respectively.
DAZN News was the first to report the development.
Further details regarding the speculated dates were not made available as this story went to publication, other than the events will stream live on Paramount+. It has been whispered that either of the two shows could be the first to take place outside the Meta APEX, which has served as the home for Zuffa Boxing’s first four scheduled events.
The two dates will give Zuffa six shows thus far, beginning with its January 23 debut topped by Callum Walsh’s 10-round points win over former title challenger Carlos Ocampo.
Significant progress was made from “Zuffa Boxing 01” to its second card just eight days later. “Zuffa Boxing 02” provided a Fight of the Year contender with Serhii Bohachuk’s thrilling split decision victory over Radzhab Butaev on February 1. The same show also produced a major upset when Radivoje Kalajdzic rallied from two knockdowns to twice drop and ultimately stop former lineal light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Zuffa’s next event will take place Sunday, with former heavyweight titlist Charles Martin, 30-4-1 (27 KOs), set to face Efe Ajagba, 20-1-1 (14 KOs), in a pivotal crossroads contest.
Three weeks later, Zuffa will come back with its most significant card to date.
The show is headlined by lineal, Ring and IBF champion Jai Opetaia, 29-0 (23 KOs), who will defend against Brandon Glanton, 21-3 (18 KOs), at the Meta APEX. The winner will also be crowned the first-ever Zuffa champion, with the expectation of more to come as Zuffa plans an aggressive signing spree in the coming weeks.
Although unofficial, it appears that Sunday will serve as the early sweet spot for the Zuffa series. To date, only its inaugural show has taken place on any other day (a Friday). Zuffa Boxing 01 was also the only card to take place on the eve of a UFC event; shows 02-06 will follow Saturday night UFC offerings.
Zuffa and UFC are both subsidiaries of parent company TKO Group Holding.
