Jai Opetaia delivered a masterclass performance Saturday night in Las Vegas, shutting out Brandon Glanton over 12 rounds to defend his cruiserweight crown and capture the first championship belt awarded by Zuffa Boxing. Fighting at the Meta APEX the UFC’s performance complex the undefeated Australian southpaw controlled the bout from start to finish, winning every round on the scorecards.
All three judges scored the fight 119–106 in Opetaia’s favor. The victory improved Opetaia to 30-0, while Glanton fell to 21-4.
Total Control Over 12 Rounds
Opetaia entered as a massive betting favorite and proved why.
The 30-year-old champion consistently outclassed Glanton with:
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Sharp straight left hands
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Left uppercuts on the inside
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Accurate body and head combinations
Though Glanton showed toughness and refused to go down, he struggled to generate meaningful offense against Opetaia’s precision and control. “My coach isn’t happy,” Opetaia told Max Kellerman afterward. “I knew Brandon was going to bring it. I knew he was tough as nails.”
Glanton’s Toughness on Display
Despite losing every round, Glanton displayed remarkable durability. The Atlanta native absorbed numerous power shots without being dropped and managed to make it to the final bell despite a badly swollen and bloodied face. His resilience helped him survive the fight’s most dangerous moments, including a left hand late in the 12th round that briefly sent him stumbling backward.
Championship Drama with the IBF
The bout also came with controversy surrounding sanctioning bodies. Just hours before the fight, the International Boxing Federation declined to sanction the bout as a title defense. The IBF warned Opetaia could be stripped of its cruiserweight title if he fought for the new Zuffa Boxing belt. Despite that dispute, Opetaia was still listed as the IBF champion on the organization’s website following the fight.
First Champion of the Zuffa Boxing Era
The win carries historic significance. Opetaia becomes the first champion crowned under the Zuffa Boxing banner, marking another step in the new promotion’s entry into the sport. With an undefeated record, dominant style, and growing profile, Opetaia continues building a case as the top cruiserweight in the world.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
