While an official announcement from Zuffa or Paramount+ is still pending, the match is reportedly scheduled for March 2026. Opetaia, the undefeated IBF and lineal king, recently finalized a co-promotional deal with Zuffa to expand its presence in the United States. This would be Zuffa Boxing’s fourth event.
A high pressure test for the champion
Brandon Glanton, known for his relentless “Bulletproof” style, is coming off a major surge since late 2025. He earned a sixth-round stoppage victory over Marcus Browne, a win that helped solidify his position following a 12-round unanimous decision loss to Chris Billam-Smith earlier that year.
At 33 years old and ranked No. 15 by the IBF, Glanton represents the type of durable, advanced opponent Opetaia has frequently encountered in recent defenses. Although early fan sentiments suggest the odds would be heavily in favor of the Australian southpaw, Glanton’s ability to apply consistent pressure could provide an entertaining style clash for Zuffa’s debut.
If these reports are true, this matchup follows a very specific strategy for Zuffa Boxing’s debut. Opetaia is arguably the best cruiserweight on the planet, but he needs the right platform to become a household name in America. Choosing an aggressive American like Glanton ensures that Opetaia’s technical genius will be tested by someone who won’t back down.
While some critics might argue that this isn’t the “super fight” everyone wants to see, it serves as a necessary bridge. By remaining active against a ranked competitor, Opetaia keeps his tools sharp while the business aspect of unifying with someone like Chris Billam-Smith or Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez continues to develop. For now, we’re waiting for the ink to dry, but a March date with Glanton seems to be the direction the wind is blowing.
