Jai Opetaia Retains Zuffa Boxing Title Amid IBF Sanctioning Dispute

Jai Opetaia defeated Brandon Glanton by unanimous decision on March 8, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, becoming the first champion in Zuffa Boxing history. However, the victory was overshadowed by a dispute with the International Boxing Federation (IBF) regarding the sanctioning of the bout and the status of Opetaia’s cruiserweight title.

Opetaia’s Victory and the Inaugural Zuffa Boxing Title

All three judges scored the fight 119-106 in favor of Opetaia. The Australian southpaw dominated the 12-round contest, showcasing his skill and durability against the tough Glanton. Despite the clear victory, the circumstances surrounding the fight were complicated by the IBF’s actions.

IBF Withdraws Sanctioning and Potential Title Stripping

Just days before the fight, the IBF announced it would withdraw its sanctioning from the bout due to concerns over Zuffa Boxing’s creation of its own title. The IBF stated that Opetaia would be stripped of his IBF cruiserweight title if he competed for the Zuffa Boxing belt. The IBF reportedly charged $80,000 in sanctioning fees, raising questions about the motivations behind their decision.

Zuffa Boxing and the Muhammad Ali Act

Zuffa Boxing, led by UFC CEO Dana White and Saudi dealmaker Turki Alalshikh, is currently prohibited from creating its own world title under the Muhammad Ali Act, which prevents boxing promoters from issuing their own belts. The Zuffa Boxing belt is currently considered a commemorative item rather than an official world title.

Opetaia’s Response and Future Plans

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his title status, Opetaia remains determined to turn into the undisputed cruiserweight champion. “I’m chasing the belts,” Opetaia said after his win. “I recognize there’s been a lot of white noise and stuff, a lot of stuff on social media, but I’m just hoping it gets worked out and we can still chase that goal. I have not lost track of it, and I never have. I’ve been stripped once before. I’ve been stripped again. I’ll gain the [IBF] belt back, and I’ll become undisputed.”

Dana White’s Criticism of the IBF

Dana White was highly critical of the IBF’s handling of the situation, alleging unprofessional conduct and hinting at potential legal action. He recounted an incident where an IBF official demanded a $200 per diem and then immediately departed Las Vegas. White also pointed out that Opetaia had previously defended the IBF title eleven times, even fighting through a broken jaw.

Looking Ahead

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is scheduled to defend his unified cruiserweight title against David Benavidez on May 2 in Las Vegas. Opetaia has expressed his desire to face the winner of that bout, continuing his pursuit of the undisputed cruiserweight championship. The future of the IBF title and Opetaia’s status remains uncertain, but his commitment to achieving his goals is unwavering.