UFC president Dana White is actively pursuing a major coup in the combat sports world, with reports indicating he is in advanced talks to sign heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk to his burgeoning Zuffa Boxing venture.
Usyk's Free Agent Status Sparks White's Interest
According to sources within the champion's camp, White is looking to capitalise on Oleksandr Usyk's current status as a promotional free agent. The Ukrainian boxing superstar parted ways with his longstanding promoter Alex Krassyuk from K2 Promotions last summer, creating a significant opportunity in the market.
Sergey Lapin, Usyk's team director, confirmed the ongoing discussions in a recent interview with Talksport Bet, stating: "There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists from Dana White and Zuffa Boxing." He added, "Details aren't for the public right now. Let's say a few doors are open and if format, numbers, and timing align, the market could see a move nobody expects."
Zuffa Boxing's Ambitious Entry into the Sport
Founded in June by Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, Zuffa Boxing represents a serious attempt to reshape the global boxing landscape. The promotion made its high-profile debut last September with a mega-fight between Terence Crawford and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, immediately establishing its credentials in the competitive boxing market.
The venture has been steadily building momentum with strategic signings, most notably acquiring current IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who maintains an impressive unbeaten record across 29 professional bouts.
White's Proven Track Record in Combat Sports
Lapin highlighted White's transformative impact on mixed martial arts, noting: "Everyone has seen what he did. He turned 'old MMA' into the global UFC machine. His real power is packaging not just a fight, but an event. If he gets involved, the scale and attention immediately become different."
This potential signing represents White's latest attempt to apply his proven promotional expertise to the traditional boxing world, potentially creating crossover events that could capture global attention.
Usyk's Current Activities and Future Prospects
The three-time undisputed champion remains active in the public eye, recently posting a video on social media platform X showing himself riding a motorbike in Thailand. Interestingly, this location coincides with where his recent opponent Tyson Fury has established his current training camp.
Fury, known as "The Gypsy King," continues to be vocal about his planned return to boxing as he pursues an opportunity to become a three-time heavyweight world champion, setting the stage for potential future matchups regardless of Usyk's promotional decisions.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the combat sports world watches closely to see if White can secure what would undoubtedly be one of the most significant signings in recent boxing history, potentially altering the promotional landscape for elite heavyweight talent.
