Five Fighters Zuffa Boxing Must Sign Next: From Oleksandr Usyk to Shakur Stevenson and the Stars Who Would Change Everything

Zuffa Boxing's 2026 Vision Needs These Five Stars to Become Reality

Zuffa Boxing launched in January 2026 with big plans: 12 to 16 events, up to four marquee super fights annually, and a media rights deal with Paramount+ covering the United States, Canada, and Latin America. But after signing Andy Ruiz Jr. and confirming Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov for April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the promotion's roster still lacks the star power to compete with boxing's established giants.

Here are the five fighters Zuffa Boxing must sign next to transform from ambitious newcomer to legitimate heavyweight in the sport.

1. Oleksandr Usyk: The Undisputed Heavyweight King

Despite circulating rumors that Oleksandr Usyk had signed with Zuffa Boxing, his team officially denied the reports. The 24-0, 15 KOs former undisputed cruiserweight champion and current heavyweight titleholder remains the sport's most technically brilliant fighter at 39 years old.

Usyk's team broke silence on the Zuffa rumors, confirming he's still a free agent. Landing Usyk would instantly legitimize Zuffa's heavyweight division and provide the promotional backbone for their 2026 super fight strategy. His 25% knockout ratio might not match Fury's power, but his technical mastery and Olympic pedigree would elevate every card he headlines.

2. Shakur Stevenson: The Pound-for-Pound Prodigy

While Zuffa focuses on heavyweights, they cannot ignore boxing's most complete technician. Shakur Stevenson, the former three-division world champion with a 20-1 record, represents the kind of crossover star who could attract casual fans to Zuffa's platform.

Stevenson's defensive brilliance and ring IQ would provide the perfect contrast to Zuffa's power-punching heavyweights. At just 26 years old, he represents the future of boxing's lower weight classes and could anchor a second promotional brand within Zuffa focused on technical mastery rather than knockout power.

3. Deontay Wilder: The Bronze Bomber's Comeback

With Tyson Fury locked into his April 11 super fight, Zuffa needs another heavyweight draw to fill their 2026 calendar. Deontay Wilder, despite his recent struggles, remains one of boxing's most recognizable names with his 42-3-1, 41 KOs record.

Wilder's devastating right hand and larger-than-life personality would complement Zuffa's existing roster perfectly. His upcoming April 4 fight against Derek Chisora represents a potential audition for Zuffa's interest. The promotion could offer Wilder the platform to rebuild his legacy and chase one more world title run.

4. Jarrell Miller: The Big Baby Factor

At 27-1-2, 22 KOs, Jarrell Miller brings both name recognition and legitimate heavyweight credentials to the table. The New York native's controversial past and charismatic personality would generate the kind of buzz Zuffa needs to break through boxing's established promotional barriers.

Miller's size and power make him an ideal foil for Zuffa's current signing Andy Ruiz Jr., potentially setting up a New York vs. California heavyweight showdown that would sell tickets and drive streaming numbers on Paramount+.

5. Luis Ortiz: The Last Emperor's Final Chapter

At 35-3, 30 KOs, Luis Ortiz represents the veteran presence Zuffa needs to balance their youthful roster. The 45-year-old Cuban southpaw still possesses elite boxing skills and would provide credibility to Zuffa's claim of signing only top-tier talent.

Ortiz's experience against the best heavyweights of his era would make him an ideal mentor for Zuffa's younger prospects while remaining competitive enough to challenge for titles. His inclusion would signal that Zuffa is serious about building a sustainable promotion rather than just a flash-in-the-pan venture.

Why These Signings Matter for Zuffa's 2026 Vision

Zuffa Boxing's financial structure is unique: Sela funds all operations while TKO provides management services for a $10 million annual fee plus $10 million per super fight. This model requires immediate returns on investment, making star power essential for survival.

The promotion's plan for 12 to 16 events in 2026 represents significant expansion from their 2025 launch, but without marquee names, those events risk becoming anonymous showcases rather than must-see television. Each of these five fighters brings something different: Usyk's technical mastery, Stevenson's pound-for-pound excellence, Wilder's knockout power, Miller's personality, and Ortiz's veteran credibility.

What to Watch Next

Zuffa's first confirmed super fight, Fury vs. Makhmudov on April 11, will test whether their promotional model can deliver on the hype. The 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25) will dominate sports media attention, making Zuffa's April schedule crucial for establishing momentum.

The promotion's success or failure will likely be determined by whether they can land at least three of these five targets before their summer international expansion begins. With Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois for the WBO title scheduled for May 2026, Zuffa needs to act quickly to ensure they're not left watching from the sidelines as boxing's biggest stories unfold without them.

Zuffa Boxing has the financial backing and media platform to become boxing's next major player. But in a sport where star power trumps everything else, these five signings represent the difference between being a legitimate contender and another forgotten promotional experiment.