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Six fighters who should feature in Zuffa Boxing League, and four who could

As Dana White’s long-anticipated Zuffa Boxing League edges closer to reality, fans are already debating which stars could headline the launch phase. While White plans to crown his own champions under a self-contained league structure, one pool of talent already stands out — the 360 Promotions stable.

Run by veteran promoter Tom Loeffler, 360’s Hollywood Fight Nights series has produced some of the most entertaining and well-matched events in the sport. With the UFC model at its heart, Zuffa Boxing will need fighters who can blend explosive styles, marketability, and personality — and 360’s roster offers all three.

White has worked closely with Loeffler as a promotional ally over the past few years, and it would be a no-brainer that much of the former Gennadiy Golovkin handler’s top stable moves into the newly created league.

WBN names six fighters who should feature in Zuffa Boxing’s proposed UFC-style league, and four who could.

The Dana White Blueprint and the 360 Connection

Dana White’s vision for Zuffa Boxing, set to launch on Paramount+ in January 2026, is centered on competitive matchups, building prospects, and rewarding excitement. Loeffler and his 360 Promotions roster, with their regular exposure on UFC Fight Pass, are already seen by industry insiders as integral to the future of the TKO Group’s boxing plans.

Loeffler himself is yet to confirm that the majority of his contracted fighters are destined for the Zuffa stable. However, it’s boxing’s worst-kept secret that White would court the likes of Callum Walsh and Mizuki Hiruta for his new boxing venture.

The fighters below embody the “all-action” approach White is seeking to redefine the sport.

The Six Who Should Feature

1. Callum Walsh

The Irish sensation has headlined multiple Fight Pass events and carries the kind of star potential White loves to build around. Walsh’s combination of knockout power, composure, and a natural promotional edge makes him a no-brainer for the Zuffa spotlight. Dana White has previously shown a personal commitment to promoting the “King,” and Walsh’s aggressive southpaw style is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

2. Serhii Bohachuk

Already a world-ranked 154-pounder and former WBC Silver titleholder, Bohachuk possesses the proven credentials to become a cornerstone for any major boxing platform. His relentless pace and destructive power fit perfectly with Zuffa’s vision of all-action fights. The Ukrainian’s high-pressure style forces thrilling contests, giving Zuffa a ready-made slugger to build their junior middleweight division around.

3. Cain “Sugar” Sandoval

Sandoval’s recent knockout win over Jino Rodrigo cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting lightweights in the U.S. With a 17-0 record and the backing of Freddie Roach, the Sacramento native is tailor-made for the UFC crossover audience. His nickname and fan-friendly style instantly create marketability for a younger, broader audience.

4. Umar Dzambekov

A towering light heavyweight trained at Wild Card, Dzambekov is a highlight reel waiting to happen. His second-round knockout of Artem Brusov in October showcased the kind of explosiveness that could turn casual viewers into instant fans. His size and finishing ability in a significant weight class make him a prime candidate for a showcase spot on Zuffa cards.

5. Daniel “Chucky” Barrera

A technical southpaw with flair and fan appeal, Barrera has all the attributes of a future star. Still only 23, his clean boxing style and composure under pressure would shine under Zuffa’s broadcast polish. He represents the technical skill that a quality stable requires, balanced with an aggressive mindset.

6. Mizuki Hiruta

Japan’s WBO super flyweight champion adds global reach and legitimacy to any new league. Already established as one of the sport’s elite female talents, Hiruta’s addition would help Zuffa bridge international markets and attract crossover audiences, giving the league immediate credibility in a key division.

Mizuki Hiruta
Lina Baker

The Four Who Could Follow

1. Right Hook Roxy Verduzco

Undefeated, charismatic, and armed with a style built for highlight clips, Verduzco is quickly becoming one of boxing’s most talked-about female prospects. Zuffa’s promotional machine could turn her into a breakout attraction overnight, capitalizing on the rising popularity of women’s boxing.

2. Omar Trinidad

A relentless featherweight who delivers crowd-pleasing performances every time he fights, Trinidad’s energy and toughness could make him a fan favorite in the Zuffa format. His unbeaten record and commitment to action align perfectly with the Zuffa mandate.

3. Gor Yeritsyan

A welterweight pressure fighter with knockout power, Yeritsyan thrives in action-heavy contests. His come-forward style is the type that fits the “no soft touches” ethos Zuffa is expected to promote, guaranteeing excitement in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

4. Lupita Media

A fearless Mexican-American bantamweight on the rise, Medina brings relentless pressure, sharp body attacks, and a growing Southern California fanbase. Her recent performances under the 360 Promotions banner have marked her as one to watch in the next wave of women’s boxing.

The Future of Zuffa Boxing

With White confirming the launch of a “Zuffa Belt” and a promise to ignore traditional sanctioning bodies, his new league will depend on fighters who can deliver excitement, consistency, and crossover appeal. The 360 Promotions roster already provides that blueprint — a ready-made mix of polished professionals and proven finishers who can help Zuffa Boxing hit the ground running when they debut in 2026.

About the Author

Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

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