Zuffa Boxing are set to sign three talented Uzbekistan fighters as Dana White continues to fill out his roster
A talented trio of fighters from Uzbekistan are set to sign with Zuffa Boxing, as Dana White and the TKO group continue to make competitive strides in the sport.
Zuffa’s stated ambition in boxing has centred on reform. Company executives have repeatedly argued that boxing lacks a unified system, with multiple sanctioning bodies, competing promoters and complex ranking structures often preventing the best fighters from meeting in their prime.
The proposed model would aim to streamline matchmaking, build clearer contender pathways and promote the biggest fights more consistently — echoing the UFC’s single-promotion structure where champions and contenders operate under one umbrella.
Concerns have also been raised about fighter pay structures, contractual control and whether a UFC-style model would fairly compensate elite boxers, who traditionally negotiate purses independently and can earn significantly larger individual paydays in marquee events.
Dana White and Zuffa have reportedly attempted to make amendments to the Muhammed Ali act, a play that has sparked immense criticism.
The promotions most notable signing so far is Ring Magazine and IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia.
Opetaia, who was formerly signed to promotional powerhouse Matchroom Boxing, is set to fight Brandon Glanton for the Zuffa belt in March.
The promotion are set to sign three high level fighters from Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is a country rich in boxing history.
Former world champion and flagship Uzbek fighter Israil Madrimov headlined in Los Angeles in a narrow defeat to all time great Terence Crawford in 2024.
Uzbekistan reporter Jalol Akhmedov has took to X to announce that “Uzbek boxers Otabek Kholmatov and Rakhmatullo Boymatov have signed with newly established promotion Zuffa Boxing. Another talented one Jahongir Zokirov, is also close to joining the roster”.
Kholmatov is the most notable of the names, with the Uzbek challenging for a world title and narrowly losing out to Raymond Ford in 2024.
This platform will give these fighters the opportunity to fight on a major American broadcaster in Paramount Plus.
Uzbek boxers Otabek Kholmatov and Rakhmatullo Boymatov have signed with newly established promotion Zuffa Boxing. Another talented one Jahongir Zokirov, is also close to joining the roster.
At the moment, Boymatov and Zokirov are training in the United States. pic.twitter.com/PibNzYkjez
— Jalol Akhmedov🇺🇿 (@JalolAkhmedov) February 13, 2026
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
