Dana White aims to schedule Jai Opetaia vs Deontay Wilder fight

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 12, 2026, 11:47 AM

Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Dana White aims to schedule Jai Opetaia vs Deontay Wilder fight
Summary

Dana White is working to add a fight between Jai Opetaia and Deontay Wilder to the undercard of the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua on December 11. White acknowledged that while Opetaia is willing to fight, this matchup poses significant risk given Wilder's reputation. Opetaia, who last fought and stopped Noel Mikaelian about a month ago, is seeking to remain active in significant bouts. A fight with Wilder would mark a notable step up in competition for him, despite Wilder being seen as past his prime.

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Key Details
  • •Dana White looking to schedule Opetaia vs Wilder for December 11 event.
  • •Opetaia last fought in September, stopping Noel Mikaelian.
  • •Fight against Wilder would be Opetaia's most dangerous to date.
  • •Wilder's reputation remains significant despite being past his prime.
Latest Updates
  • 11:47 AMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s a very dangerous fight for him’: Dana White looks to put together Jai Opetaia vs Deontay Wilder
  • 11:47 AMBad Left Hook — ‘It’s a very dangerous fight for him’: Dana White looks to put together Jai Opetaia vs Deontay Wilder
What they're saying
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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Dana White speaks at a press conference after the Zuffa Boxing 11 event at Copperbox Arena on September 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Zuffa Boxing via Getty Images) | Zuffa Boxing via Getty Images While a big heavyweight card is on the horizon for December 11 when Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will battle for British glory, Zuffa Boxing promoter Dana White tells Sky Sports that he’s aiming to bolster the card by potentially adding Jai Opetaia to the ticket in a heavyweight fight against former world champion Deontay Wilder. “Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. [Wilder] is one that we’ve been talking about and working on…The guy’s willing to fight anybody,” White said of Opetaia. “It’s a very dangerous fight for him considering where he sits in his division right now.” White would add that Opetaia wants to stay active in meaningful fights whether it be at heavyweight or cruiserweight, so it’ll be up to him to secure the kind of bouts he craves which could prove difficult. Opetaia, 31, last fought about a month ago, stopping Noel Mikaelian in nine rounds of action. Should he formally be lined up against Wilder, it would be easily be his most dangerous opponent to date. Wilder is clearly past his prime and is no longer draped in the aura of being boxing’s biggest puncher, but his reputation and name value would certainly be a step up for Opetaia nonetheless.

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Dana White is trying to line up a marquee fight for his cruiserweight, Jai Opetaia, this December.

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