How a media rights deal reshaped the landscape of professional boxing in 2026
In short: Following a major partnership between Paramount Skydance and TKO Group Holdings, Zuffa Boxing entered its second year of operation in 2026. With events moving to exclusive streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S., the promotion has already held 13 events this year, shifting the way fans consume high-stakes combat sports.
Zuffa Boxing, a professional promotion founded by UFC CEO Dana White and General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh, has rapidly expanded its footprint. Following a long-term media rights agreement announced on September 29, 2025, the promotion transitioned its U.S. broadcasts to an exclusive livestreaming model on Paramount+. This venture represents the second year of operations for the company. It was established through the collaboration of Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh.
The promotion's schedule in 2026 has been characterized by high-profile matchups and logistical shifts. Early in the year, the promotion utilized the Meta Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, for a series of consecutive events. These included Zuffa Boxing 01 on January 23, headlined by Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo, and Zuffa Boxing 02 on February 1, featuring José Valenzuela vs. Diego Torres. The series of events in Nevada included a middleweight contest between Walsh and Ocampo. Additionally, the second event featured a lightweight match between Valenzuela and Torres.
The promotion also manages complex scheduling and title disputes. For instance, the heavyweight bout between Efe Ajagba and Charles Martin was originally expected for Zuffa Boxing 02 before being moved to Zuffa Boxing 03 on February 15. Furthermore, the cruiserweight division experienced major movement during March as Jai Opetaia battled Brandon Glanton to claim the first-ever Zuffa Boxing and The Ring cruiserweight belts. The promotion also hosted a heavyweight fight involving Efe Ajagba and Charles Martin. This bout took place in mid-February at the Meta Apex.
As the year progresses, the promotion has expanded its international reach, moving beyond Nevada to host events like Zuffa Boxing 07 on June 6 at the Bournemouth International Centre in England. This expansion highlights the growing scale of the partnership between White and Al-Sheikh's organization. The organization has also held several other events throughout the year. These include matchups involving fighters like Shane Mosley Jr. and Serhii Bohachuk.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 in Zuffa Boxing
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