Who are Zuffa Boxing and can they shake up the sport?
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Who are Zuffa Boxing and can they shake up the sport?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Dana White's Zuffa Boxing host their first UK event on SaturdayByDan GeorgeBBC Sport in BournemouthPublished50 minutes agoFrom promoter rivalries to the shock signing of some big names, Zuffa Boxing's start to life in the fight game has been far from quiet.On Saturday they host their first UK show, headlining with Briton Chris Billam-Smith in Bournemouth as they look to make their mark for the first time on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.Founded by UFC president Dana White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, the new company is looking to rival the already established promoters in the sport across the world.White is better known for his role in mixed martial arts, but has chosen to expand his sporting influence.Zuffa Boxing made their first big noise when they snapped up welterweight Conor Benn in a dramatic move from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable in February. Since then they have continued to sign UK fighters to their roster, with some notable additions in the cruiserweight division. On Saturday night, four of their fresh 200lb signings will be in action, with Billam-Smith facing Ryan Rozicki and Jack Massey fighting Cheavon Clarke.Former IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia, who also swapped Matchroom for Zuffa Boxing, is rumoured to be fighting the winner of Saturday's main event.Billam-Smith to face Rozicki in Zuffa's first UK showPublished29 AprilBillam-Smith targets Opetaia after signing with ZuffaPublished13 AprilHow are Zuffa doing things different?One way in which White has pledged to change elements of the sport, is in the way they work with sanctioning bodies around the traditional belts.So far, the promotion recognises eight weight divisions and have one Zuffa champion per weight class. White previously said he would not use the traditional WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF titles, and this has lead to some controversy.Opetaia was stripped...




