(February 23rd) Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing has added one of the heavyweight division’s most recognizable names, with Imperial, California, former unified world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. signing a new promotional agreement that aims to relaunch his career at the elite level.

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Andy Ruiz Jr., 36, is best known for his stunning upset of Anthony Joshua in June 2019, when he captured the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles at Madison Square Garden. That victory made Ruiz the first male heavyweight world champion of Mexican descent and one of the most marketable figures in the division. Since that breakout night, Ruiz, 35-2-1, 22Ko’s has gone 2–1–1, including a decision loss in the Joshua rematch and wins over veterans Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, before a majority draw against Jarrell Miller in his most recent outing.

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The Ruiz deal was publicized across boxing media and social platforms around February 21, 2026, as images and graphics declaring “Andy Ruiz Jr has signed with Zuffa Boxing” circulated widely. The announcement positioned Ruiz alongside other notable Zuffa Boxing signings, coming just days after the promotion secured British welterweight contender Conor Benn as part of a fast‑growing roster. Veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael and other industry observers described Ruiz as either signed or “headed to Zuffa,” framing the move as part of a broader recruitment drive backed by significant financial investment.

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For Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, bringing in a former unified heavyweight champion adds immediate name recognition and credibility to a new promotional venture seeking to challenge established boxing power structures. The deal reinforces the promotion’s strategy of targeting fighters with proven championship pedigree who may be seeking fresh opportunities outside traditional networks like Top Rank, PBC, and Matchroom. Ruiz joins a stable that already features high‑profile names across multiple weight classes, signaling Zuffa Boxing’s intent to be a serious player in staging major events rather than small‑scale developmental shows.

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Ruiz enters this new chapter after extended periods of inactivity between 2019 and 2024, making the Zuffa agreement an important platform to re‑establish his position in a crowded heavyweight landscape. Commentators have pointed to potential clashes with fellow big men under, or adjacent to, the Zuffa orbit, as well as the possibility of cross‑promotion with other broadcasters and promoters to secure marquee fights. With his combination of hand speed, inside punching and name value, Ruiz immediately becomes one of Zuffa Boxing’s leading heavyweight attractions and a central figure in the promotion’s early schedule.

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Ruiz’s signing is widely viewed as a mutually beneficial move: Zuffa Boxing gains a former unified champion who has already headlined global events, while Ruiz receives the financial backing and platform to pursue another title run after several stop‑start years. As Zuffa Boxing finalizes its first wave of events, industry attention will focus on when Ruiz’s promotional debut is announced and which opponent is selected to showcase one of the organization’s most prominent new acquisitions.

Potential opponents for Andy Ruiz Jr. can start with Zuffa's current heavyweight roster such as Efe Ajagba: Rising Nigerian prospect who recently fought Charles Martin under Zuffa.​​ Charles Martin: Former IBF champion, now on Zuffa's heavyweight roster.​ There is also Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller with the two meeting in an August 2024 and battling to a majority draw.

As far as high-profile crossover bouts pre-signing rumors positioned Ruiz as a U.S.-based option for Oleksandr Usyk or in a Zuffa title eliminator with Deontay Wilder named alongside Anthony Joshua in a dream trilogy match.

About Zuffa Boxing

Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings, Inc. ("TKO") (NYSE: TKO) and Sela, the entertainment conglomerate. TKO serves as managing partner, providing day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight of the promotion, with executive leadership anchored by UFC President and CEO Dana White and WWE President and TKO Board Member Nick Khan. The promotion aims to reimagine the sport of boxing by evolving the current model to restore the sport's rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem. For more information, follow @Zuffa_Boxing on X; and @ZuffaBoxing on Snapchat, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

About Sela

Founded in 1997, Sela is a Saudi Arabian company specializing in creating, constructing, and operating unique destinations and recreational experiences across sports, entertainment, culture, and hospitality sectors. Initially recognized as Saudi Arabia's first FIFA-recognized athletes' representation company, Sela expanded into sports marketing and has since diversified into broader recreational industries.

About TKO

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world's premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.