Jai Opetaia romped to a lopsided decision win over Brandon Glanton to win the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight title, and though the one-sided nature of the win preserves the Australian’s record as an unbeaten champion, much of the narrative heading into Sunday’s showdown regarded his status with the IBF.
Opetaia first became world champion in 2022 when he bested Mairis Briedis despite facial injuries, winning by decision, and collecting The Ring’s cruiserweight title, too. He’s defended it ever since, including in Knockout of the Year contending wins in 2025.
However, there was speculation as to whether boxing’s Cold War, with a perception that Zuffa Boxing is operating on its own island with its own belt from the UFC’s Meta APEX studio in Las Vegas, that the IBF may strip Opetaia of their world championship belt when its effectively been playing second-fiddle to Zuffa’s promotional title all week.
However, speaking to reporters after the Glanton win, which advanced his pro boxing record to 30-0 (23 KOs), Opetaia clarified the situation.
“I got told five minutes ago, as from now I’m actually not stripped [of the IBF championship belt].”
On the IBF’s withdrawal of support, UFC boss Dana White told reporters: “There’s no doubt he’s the best in the world, paid his sanctioning fees. They flew a guy out here, and said they were disrespected at the press conference.
“The belt was in front of him the entire time and he held it in his hand when he did the face-off. The Zuffa belt was in the middle because nobody had it. He had the other two belts [Ring Magazine title included], and they were fighting for that one [Zuffa].”
He finished by remarking: “It’s pretty clear what they’;re doing and what;’s going on … I see lawsuits coming.”
The event marked Zuffa Boxing’s fourth of the year.
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