Usyk On Fight Under Zuffa Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk has two options in front of him for his final fight, one of them may involve Dana White.

The unified heavyweight champion confirmed that his team has already spoken with White about the possibility of a Zuffa Boxing fight, and his response to the idea was warmer than might have been expected from a fighter who has spent his career competing under traditional promotional arrangements.

"Maybe it's good opportunity for me if Dana, who boss Zuffa, to work about this organisation. Why not? Why not? It's new belt, new opportunity. It's good. I think I know my team speaks with Dana. I have met with Dana. Now we have two options for what we do next. But I have time now with my family, with my wife,” Usyk

Usyk has indicated he is preparing to vacate his heavyweight titles rather than continue holding the belts while the division waits for him to make decisions. His reasoning is straightforward — he remembers what it felt like to wait for a title shot earlier in his career and does not want to be the obstacle that prevents the next generation from getting their opportunity. He has been clear that he believes he has one fight left before retirement.

If that final fight is for a Zuffa Boxing title, it would be a significant moment for White's promotional venture. Zuffa is still establishing itself as a credible organisation — the recent signing of Shakur Stevenson was its most notable acquisition to date — and a heavyweight championship fight involving the most accomplished heavyweight of his era would accelerate that credibility considerably.

What Zuffa's heavyweight infrastructure looks like and who the opponent would be are questions the conversation has not yet answered. The promotion has been focused primarily on lower weight classes in its early stages, and a Usyk fight would require building around the event in a way that justifies the scale of the name involved.

Wilder's camp has expressed interest. The Zuffa conversation has now been confirmed. Whether either produces a signed contract before Usyk makes his decision about the titles is the immediate question.