The combat sports world is set for a seismic shift as UFC CEO Dana White prepares to make history. On January 23, 2024, just one day before the UFC's new broadcast era begins with Paramount-Skydance, White's Zuffa Boxing will host its inaugural event. This bold move into the boxing landscape has sent shockwaves through the industry, triggering intense speculation and a flurry of rumors about the new promotion's roster and strategy.
Roster Reveal: Big Names and Notable Absences
The announcement of Zuffa Boxing's launch sparked immediate questions about which fighters would join the venture. Reports suggest that around 200 competitors have signed to help usher in this new era, a number that gained traction after White and WWE President Nick Khan were seen scouting talent at the USA Boxing National Championships. Prominent boxing journalist Dan Rafael provided an early list of potential signees, naming several notable fighters.
According to Rafael's sources, the initial Zuffa Boxing lineup for its league, which will stream on Paramount+, includes: former WBA 140-pound champion Jose Valenzuela; former WBA "regular" welterweight titlist Radzhab Butaev; 130-pound contender Justin Viloria; 135-pound fighter Eridson Garcia; middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr.; and 168-pound boxer Misael Rodriguez. Valenzuela's connection is particularly interesting, as he trained under Jose Benavidez Sr., father of superstar David Benavidez.
The One That Got Away: Vito Mielnicki's Decision
Despite being on the rumored list, the case of middleweight contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. highlights the fierce competition Zuffa Boxing faces from established promoters. It has now been revealed that Mielnicki and his team actually received an offer from Zuffa Boxing but chose to decline it and refused to sign the contract. Instead, the fighter believes it is more beneficial to work with the stable of star boxer David Benavidez.
Mielnicki is now expected to begin a new contract with Sampson Promotions in Atlantic City in April. This snub underscores the challenge Dana White's new venture faces in luring top talent away from traditional boxing powerbrokers who are offering stiff resistance.
Broader Ambitions and Fan Speculation
The buzz didn't stop with Rafael's list. Some fans were shocked to see unified junior bantamweight champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez mentioned among Zuffa's rumored targets, especially since he recently fought on the same card as Benavidez and Mielnicki. However, Rodriguez, the San Antonio-raised champion, has since signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing for his upcoming fight against Puma Martinez.
Debate now centers on how Zuffa Boxing can grow, especially in light of TKO's proposed restoration of the Ali Act and its inclusion of the UBOs. This points directly to the creation of a UFC-style boxing promotion with centralized control. Further fan interest has been fueled by revelations about the promotion's alleged paydays for fighters. The combat sports community is now eagerly waiting to see the final roster for Dana White's boxing endeavor and who will ultimately grace the card for its historic first event on January 23.
