Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Strong rumors indicate a growing possibility that Ukrainian unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is close to signing a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing, led by Dana White.
It is already known that Alex Krassyuk of K2 Promotions ended his promotional relationship with Usyk in June 2025.
Sources claim that Usyk has been in discussions with Dana White regarding potential fights, with Egis Klimas also reportedly involved in the talks.
Usyk was previously under contract with Skill Challenge Promotions of Saudi Arabia, but reports indicate that he parted ways with Riyadh Season in 2025 in order to begin negotiations with Zuffa Boxing in the United States.
Other sources suggest that these developments may be tied to a possible bout between Oleksandr Usyk and former world champion Deontay Wilder, with tentative dates in April or May being mentioned for events in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
However, this raises a major question: what would happen to Usyk’s obligation to defend his unified WBC, WBA, and IBF titles if he were to join Zuffa Boxing and align himself closely with Dana White? White has publicly stated that his company intends to lead a new world order in boxing and be the future of the sport, while openly expressing indifference toward the championships of the four major sanctioning bodies.
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