Dana White and Zuffa Boxing have announced a flagship signing in the UK.
Zuffa Boxing recently announced a landmark broadcast deal in the UK with Sky Sports, so it’s up to Dana White and co to sign some headline fighters.
Their one fight deal with British superstar Conor Benn (25-1, 14ko’s) expired on Saturday, it is likely the pair will work together once again, but for now the Brit is a free agent.
Since Zuffa took Benn from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom in a shock move, both Hearn and hall of fame promoter Frank Warren have ensured their fighters are under watertight contracts.
After UK promoter Ben Shalom of BOXXER moved from Sky Sports to the BBC, a plethora of his fighters became contractual free agents, and Zuffa have now officially snapped up a Sky Sports star.
Former cruiserweight world champion Chris Billiam Smith (21-2, 13ko’s) has agreed a multi-fight promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, with his next fight set to be announced soon.
The 35 year old lost his WBO world title in 2024 against Gilberto Ramirez (48-1, 30ko’s) via unanimous decision in Riyadh.
A bounce back victory over Brandon Glanton (21-4, 18ko’s) has the man from Bournemouth placed at number one with the IBF, and talks for a vacant title fight against Viddal Riley (14-0, 7ko’s) has been discussed.
Speaking to Sky Sports about signing with Zuffa, Billiam Smith has stated:
“I’m really excited by this opportunity to work with Zuffa and Sky Sports”.
“When two powerhouses in the world of entertainment come together like this, you know it will be a success, and you want to be a part of it”.
“This move is about proving I am the best in the world. I can’t wait to get back in the ring headlining shows”.
Whether Zuffa intend to match the Brit with current Zuffa cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23ko’s) is yet to be seen.
A NEW addition to the Cruiserweight division 🥊
Welcome to Zuffa Boxing Chris Billam-Smith đź‘‹ pic.twitter.com/D8mRWOwDfD
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) April 13, 2026
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