In a significant development that could reshape the landscape of professional boxing, UFC President Dana White is reportedly engaged in active talks to sign heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk to his burgeoning Zuffa Boxing promotion.
Potential Deal for a Free Agent Champion
Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion, finds himself as a free agent after concluding his long-standing partnership with K2 Promotions in the summer of 2025. This status has opened the door for new promotional opportunities, with Dana White's venture emerging as a serious contender.
Confirmation from Usyk's Camp
Sergey Lapin, the team director for Oleksandr Usyk, has publicly confirmed that there has been direct contact and ongoing dialogue between the champion's camp and Dana White regarding a potential promotional agreement. This confirmation lends substantial credibility to the rumours circulating within combat sports circles.
White's Ambitious Boxing Venture
Dana White, alongside Turki Alalshikh, co-founded Zuffa Boxing in June 2025 with the explicit goal of revolutionising the global boxing scene. The promotion has already made a notable first signing, securing IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, signalling its intent to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
A Track Record of Transformation
In discussions about the potential partnership, Sergey Lapin pointed to Dana White's unparalleled success in transforming mixed martial arts (MMA) and the UFC into a worldwide sporting phenomenon. Lapin suggested that White's proven promotional expertise, business acumen, and global reach could be instrumental in significantly elevating the production, marketing, and commercial appeal of major boxing events, potentially attracting a new, broader audience.
The potential signing of a superstar like Oleksandr Usyk would represent a major coup for Zuffa Boxing, providing immediate credibility and a flagship athlete around which to build its brand. For Usyk, alignment with White's venture could offer a powerful new platform as he navigates the next phase of his illustrious career, potentially including high-profile fights and increased global exposure. The combat sports world will be watching closely to see if these talks culminate in a formal agreement.
