(January 7th) Zuffa Boxing is scheduled to stage its first standalone event under its new Paramount+ media rights agreement on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, according to Nevada State Athletic Commission listings. The card will stream live on Paramount+ and is positioned as the opening act of a major combat-sports weekend, preceding UFC 324 on Saturday, January 24.

While the date and venue are confirmed, no bouts have been officially announced by Zuffa Boxing or approved by the commission as of early January 2026.

The event will take place at the UFC Apex, a UFC-owned facility designed for television-first productions with a limited live audience of roughly 500–1,000. By hosting the show at the Apex, Zuffa Boxing retains full control of production and gate revenue while leveraging the UFC’s established broadcast infrastructure.

The January 23 card serves as a direct lead-in to UFC 324, which is expected to be headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, reinforcing TKO Group Holdings’ strategy of bundling boxing and MMA properties under one promotional umbrella.

Although the Zuffa Boxing brand technically debuted in September 2025 with the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford mega-fight at Allegiant Stadium, that event functioned as a one-off blockbuster. The January 23 Apex show represents the first regular-series Zuffa Boxing event tied directly to its long-term Paramount+ deal.

Zuffa Boxing operates as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings (parent company of UFC and WWE) and Saudi-based entertainment firm Sela, with TKO receiving management fees and holding an option to reach 50 percent ownership over time.

TKO President Mark Shapiro has described the January event and the UFC card that follows as a showcase weekend designed to formally introduce Zuffa Boxing’s new business model and streaming partnership.

Zuffa Boxing plans to promote approximately 12 events annually on Paramount+, supplemented by two to four large-scale “superfights” per year that could involve outside broadcast partners.

Unlike traditional boxing promoters, Zuffa Boxing intends to operate with a centralized league-style structure, maintaining its own rankings, titles, and roster—expected to grow to roughly 200 fighters. The promotion has indicated it will not rely on traditional sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, or WBO.

Dana White and TKO executive Nick Khan have emphasized faster-paced broadcasts, tighter matchmaking, and internal rankings designed to compel top contenders to face one another. TKO has also sought amendments to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act to allow greater control over matchmaking under a proposed “Unified Boxing Organization” framework.

While no fights are official, several fighters signed to Zuffa Boxing have been officially announced for the January 23rd event through industry reporting:

Callum Walsh (15-0) – The undefeated Irish junior middleweight prospect is frequently cited as a potential headliner, though no opponent has been confirmed.

Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela – Former WBA super lightweight champion.

Radzhab Butaev – Former WBA “Regular” welterweight champion.

Justin Viloria – Undefeated super featherweight prospect.

Vito Mielnicki Jr., Misael Rodríguez, and Eridson Garcia – All signed to the promotion and considered potential participants.

Speculation about specific matchups—including Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo or title-related bouts—remains unverified and has not been confirmed by Zuffa Boxing or the Nevada commission.

Reaction within the boxing industry has been mixed. Supporters argue the sport’s fragmented promotional and sanctioning structure is ripe for disruption. Critics, including promoters Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya, have questioned the Apex venue choice, the absence of recognized world titles, and the lack of announced bouts so close to the event date.

Zuffa Boxing is expected to unveil its inaugural fight card in the coming weeks as it prepares to formally launch its league-style vision under the Paramount+ banner.

Zuffa Boxing is a new professional boxing promotion launched by TKO Group Holdings (parent of UFC/WWE) and Saudi Arabia's Sela, led by UFC President Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh, aiming to revitalize U.S. boxing by creating competitive, fan-focused events, similar to the UFC model, with a major broadcast deal with Paramount+ for 2026 onwards. The venture leverages TKO's operational expertise and Sela's significant funding, with plans to build a strong US presence and feature a roster of talent, starting with its first event in January 2026.