Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing Launching in January 2026
Dana White is finally stepping into the boxing ring, and the excitement is palpable! On January 23, 2026, Zuffa Boxing will officially kick off its first event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+. This highly anticipated launch marks not only a significant milestone for White but also represents a new era for the sport of boxing.
The Z01 Event: A Combat Sports Doubleheader
Branded as Z01, this inaugural event arrives just one night before UFC 324, creating a thrilling combat sports weekend. TKO Group Holdings, which is integral in this venture, will showcase both properties on the Paramount+ streaming platform, promising fans a back-to-back night of electrifying fights.
Mark Shapiro, President of TKO Group, confirmed, "We are planning to launch our first boxing show on January 23, which is the night before our first UFC show on P-Sky." This dovetailing of major events is set to make it a memorable weekend for combat sports enthusiasts.
Featured Fighters and Matchups
Z01 features an exciting card that includes rising Irish star Callum Walsh (15-0) as he faces off against Carlos Ocampo in the main event. In addition, fight fans can look forward to a co-main event that showcases Serhii Bohachuk squaring off against former WBA welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev. These matchups highlight not only established fighters but also up-and-coming prospects, adding layers of intrigue to the event.
Zuffa Boxing: Partnership and Vision
Zuffa Boxing operates as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and the Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela. Under the guiding leadership of Dana White and WWE President Nick Khan, the promotion aims to build a formidable roster of 200 fighters. Recently signed athletes include former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela, promising fighter Vito Mielnicki Jr., and up-and-comer Justin Viloria.
Media Rights Agreement with Paramount+
The January 23 debut fulfills a landmark media rights agreement established in September 2025 between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings. According to the long-term deal, Paramount+ will serve as the exclusive home for Zuffa Boxing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
This agreement guarantees at least 12 Zuffa Boxing cards throughout 2026, with aspirations to expand in subsequent years. Select events may even be simulcast on CBS and other platforms under the Paramount umbrella. This strategic alignment is expected to give boxing a new platform and audience.
Statements of Excitement from Key Players
Dana White expressed his enthusiasm upon the announcement of the deal, stating, "I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience. There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport." He emphasizes Paramount as a new home for fans of both UFC and boxing to enjoy premier combat sports.
Supporting this vision, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, remarked, "This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing." His insights underline the ambition to broaden access to a diverse range of exciting boxing talents.
Similarly, Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer for Paramount, referred to the partnership as "a bold new chapter— not just for us, but for the future of boxing." She believes that this deal aims to deliver premier sports content and marquee live events year-round to subscribers, enhancing their viewing experience.
Upcoming Broadcast
Mark your calendars: Z01 will air at 9 PM ET on Paramount+, setting the stage for UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday at the nearby T-Mobile Arena. With both boxing and MMA captivating audiences over consecutive nights, January 2026 promises to be a historic moment for combat sports fans.
This dual event weekend reflects the ambitious vision of TKO Group and Zuffa Boxing, aiming to carve out a significant niche in the highly competitive landscape of fight sports. Stay tuned, as the world of boxing prepares for an exciting transformation under Dana White’s new venture.