Jai Opetaia Becomes Zuffa Boxings’ First Champion

Total Control Over 12 Rounds

Opetaia entered as a massive betting favorite and proved why.

The 30-year-old champion consistently outclassed Glanton with:

• Sharp straight left hands

• Left uppercuts on the inside

• Accurate body and head combinations

Though Glanton showed toughness and refused to go down, he struggled to generate meaningful offense against Opetaia’s precision and control. “My coach isn’t happy,” Opetaia told Max Kellerman afterward. “I knew Brandon was going to bring it. I knew he was tough as nails.”

Glanton’s Toughness on Display

Despite losing every round, Glanton displayed remarkable durability. The Atlanta native absorbed numerous power shots without being dropped and managed to make it to the final bell despite a badly swollen and bloodied face. His resilience helped him survive the fight’s most dangerous moments, including a left hand late in the 12th round that briefly sent him stumbling backward.

Championship Drama with the IBF

The bout also came with controversy surrounding sanctioning bodies. Just hours before the fight, the International Boxing Federation declined to sanction the bout as a title defense. The IBF warned Opetaia could be stripped of its cruiserweight title if he fought for the new Zuffa Boxing belt. Despite that dispute, Opetaia was still listed as the IBF champion on the organization’s website following the fight.

First Champion of the Zuffa Boxing Era

The win carries historic significance. Opetaia becomes the first champion crowned under the Zuffa Boxing banner, marking another step in the new promotion’s entry into the sport. With an undefeated record, dominant style, and growing profile, Opetaia continues building a case as the top cruiserweight in the world.