Now that Zuffa Boxing has started up, a few notable names from the UFC have shown interest in joining the new promotion.
Dana White has a busy schedule this week, with Zuffa Boxing hosting an event tonight before UFC 324 kicks off at T-Mobile Arena later this weekend.
The plan is not for MMA fighters to cross over and challenge boxers, though. Zuffa Boxing’s focus has been more on building a strong roster of boxing talent, starting with Jai Opetaia as their first big signing.
Discussion has recently focused on several other significant roster additions, with one potentially preparing for a major fight this year.
Andy Ruiz linked to Tyson Fury fight and potential Zuffa Boxing deal
Tyson Fury has said he plans to fight again this year, and he has already got a shortlist of opponents in mind.
Anthony Joshua is the name that stands out, but following Joshua’s involvement in a serious accident at the end of 2025, those plans may need to be adjusted.
One possible opponent is Andy Ruiz, who was the first to defeat and stop Joshua back in 2019.
Ruiz was recently seen accidentally breaking a streamer’s jaw. And if recent reports are accurate, we could be seeing him back in training soon.
Derek Chisora has suggested that Oleksandr Usyk will face Ruiz next, while Abraham Gonzalez posted on X that “real conversations” are happening around a potential Fury vs. Ruiz bout instead.
Gonzalez also mentioned that Ruiz might be signing with Zuffa Boxing. If that happens, White and his team would immediately have a significant presence in the heavyweight scene.
How Zuffa Boxing’s direction is already shifting from its original plan
Zuffa Boxing initially set itself apart by planning not to recognise the traditional sanctioning bodies, a move that drew plenty of attention when first announced.
But questions began to surface after Opetaia signed on, especially since he has expressed interest in unifying the cruiserweight titles – a goal tied directly to those same bodies.
White addressed this at Zuffa Boxing’s first press conference, saying they will work with fighters to explore different opportunities rather than blocking what they want to achieve.
This stance could appeal to fighters like Andy Ruiz, who may join the promotion as established names aiming for title shots.
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