Get ready for an explosive night of boxing, as UFC President Dana White's long-awaited dream of running his own boxing promotion becomes a reality! Tonight, January 23, 2026, the UFC makes its Paramount+ debut from the iconic Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. And this is just the beginning of an exciting journey for combat sports enthusiasts.
The main event of the evening will showcase a thrilling 10-round middleweight clash between Callum Walsh and Carlos Ocampo. Joining them in the co-main event is a battle between Misael Rodriguez and Austin Deanda, also in the middleweight division.
But here's where it gets controversial... UFC's foray into boxing has a rocky history, with Dana White's previous attempt, 'The Fighters,' being canceled by Discovery Channel. Will history repeat itself, or will Zuffa Boxing rise above the challenges?
Leading the commentary team for this historic event is WWE SmackDown's Joe Tessitore, who will provide play-by-play analysis. He will be joined by the insightful Max Kellerman and the legendary Andre Ward, offering their expert opinions and analysis. The broadcast team is further bolstered by the contributions of Heidi Androl, Molly Qerim, Antonio Carver, and Mike Coppinger, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging viewing experience.
Callum Walsh, one of the fighters on the card, recognizes the significance of this opportunity. In an interview with talkSPORT.com, he expressed, "I'm the same as everybody else. This is Zuffa Boxing, and nobody really knows how big it's going to go. It's an unbelievable opportunity to be a part of history, as I'll be the first ever main event for Zuffa Boxing."
The prelims will commence at 6 p.m. ET on Paramount+, building up to the main card, which will stream live at 9 p.m. ET on the same platform.
So, combat sports fans, are you ready to witness history in the making? Will Zuffa Boxing live up to the hype, or will it face similar challenges as its predecessor? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the future of boxing under the UFC's banner.
