While Zuffa or Paramount+ have yet to be officially announced, the game is reportedly expected to take place in March 2026. Opetaia, the undefeated lineal IBF king, recently finalized a co-promotional deal with Zuffa to expand his presence in the United States. This will be Zuffa Boxing’s fourth fight.

A high-pressure test for the champion

Known for his relentless “bangproof” style, Brandon Granton has a major momentum-builder starting in late 2025. He knocked out Marcus Browne in the sixth round, a win that helped solidify his status following a 12-round unanimous decision loss to Chris Billam-Smith earlier that year.

Granton, 33, is ranked No. 15 in the IBF rankings and represents the kind of hard-nosed, come-forward opponent Oppetaya has often faced in recent defenses. While early fan sentiment suggests the odds are stacked against the Australian southpaw, Granton’s ability to apply sustained pressure could make for an interesting clash of styles on Zuffa’s debut.

If these reports are true, the fight will follow a very specific strategy from the early days of Zuffa boxing. Opetaia is arguably the best lightweight on the planet, but he needs the right platform to become a household name in the United States. Choosing an aggressive American like Granton ensures that Opetaia’s technical talents will stand the test of someone who won’t take a step back.

While some critics may argue that this isn’t the “super fight” everyone wants to see, it’s a necessary bridge. By staying active against ranked contenders, Opetaia keeps his tools sharp while the business side of the union with the likes of Chris Biram Smith or Gilberto “Zuldo” Ramirez continues to grow. Now, we wait for the ink to dry, but a date with Granton in March seems to be the way to go.