Dana White confirms Jai Opetaia versus Noel Mikaelian fight proceeds as scheduled

Zuffa Boxing and UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian will proceed as planned this weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The announcement follows a formal cease-and-desist letter filed Tuesday by Don King Productions, which asserted exclusive promotional rights over Mikaelian. Don King Productions alleged that TKO Group Holdings and Zuffa Boxing negotiated with Mikaelian without proper authorization, labeling the action as tortious interference with an existing agreement. White denied the claims and stated that his organization does not interfere with the contracts of other promoters. Opetaia remains scheduled to defend his Zuffa and Ring Magazine championships against Mikaelian as the co-main event for the card headlined by Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn. White signaled that the scheduled bout remains on the docket despite the legal notice.

• 4:51 PMCBS Sports — Dana White says Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian will proceed after Don King files cease-and-desist letter