While an official announcement from Zuffa or Paramount+ is still pending, the matchup is reportedly being targeted for March 2026. Opetaia, the undefeated IBF and lineal king, recently finalized a co promotional deal with Zuffa to expand his presence in the United States. This would be Zuffa Boxing’s fourth event.
A High Pressure Test for the Champ
Brandon Glanton, known for his relentless “Bulletproof” style, is coming off a significant momentum builder from late 2025. He earned a sixth-round stoppage victory over Marcus Browne, a win that helped solidify his standing after a 12 round unanimous decision loss to Chris Billam-Smith earlier that year.
At 33 years old and ranked #15 by the IBF, Glanton represents the type of durable, come forward opponent that Opetaia has frequently encountered in recent defenses. Though early fan sentiment suggests the odds would heavily favor the Australian southpaw, Glanton’s ability to apply constant pressure could provide an entertaining style clash for the Zuffa debut.
If these reports hold true, this matchup follows a very specific strategy for the early days of Zuffa Boxing. 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 brilliance is tested by someone who won’t take a backward step.
While some critics might argue that this isn’t the “super fight” everyone wants to see, it serves as a necessary bridge. By staying active against a ranked contender, Opetaia keeps his tools sharp while the business side of a unification with someone like Chris Billam-Smith or Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez continues to develop. For now, we wait for the ink to dry, but a March date with Glanton seems to be the direction the wind is blowing.
