After nearly a decade, Dana White’s long-discussed boxing venture is finally real.
According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), the inaugural Zuffa Boxing event will take place on Fri., Jan. 23, 2026 — one day before UFC 324 — inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will stream live on Paramount+.
MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin first reported the news.
While no bouts have been officially announced and a main event has yet to be revealed, several names have already signed with the promotion, according to veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael. Those fighters include former WBA super Lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela (14-3), former WBA (Regular) Welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev (15-1), undefeated super Featherweight Justin Viloria (11-0), WBO NABO super Featherweight titleholder Eridson Garcia (23-1), WBO Global Middleweight champion Vito Mielnicki Jr. (22-1), and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez (14-0).
Zuffa Boxing plans to hold 12 events throughout 2026, with every card airing exclusively on Paramount+, further strengthening the platform’s growing relationship with the UFC and its combat sports portfolio.
White has long teased his desire to “fix” boxing by applying the UFC’s promotional model to the sweet science, and this launch represents his first real attempt to do so since the original Zuffa Boxing concept was shelved nearly a decade ago.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” White said. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”
