Usyk in Zuffa talks for farewell bout with Wilder

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk is in talks with Dana White's Zuffa for a farewell fight against Deontay Wilder in America.

The Ukrainian vacated his WBA 'Super', WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles last week, but insisted he has not retired and wants "one last dance". This decision to vacate his titles has raised eyebrows in the community, as it signifies a shift in Usyk's career, indicating he may be looking to conclude his journey on his own terms rather than through the traditional competitive route.

Usyk, 39, is unbeaten in 25 professional fights and is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. His accolades include being a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and previously holding all four major cruiserweight titles simultaneously. His unique style, characterized by exceptional footwork, speed, and technical prowess, has earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent in the ring.

In contrast, Deontay Wilder, 40, is a former world champion who has seen better days. Known for his explosive knockout power, Wilder has been a significant figure in heavyweight , with 43 of his 50 professional wins coming by way of knockout. However, his recent performances have raised concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level, particularly following his trilogy with Tyson Fury, which saw him suffer two defeats and a draw. Despite this, Wilder's name still carries weight in the world, making a matchup with Usyk intriguing.

"Usyk has already stated that he sees Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his last dance," Usyk's team director, Sergey Lapin, told BBC. This sentiment reflects Usyk's desire to leave a lasting legacy in the , and a fight against a well-known name like Wilder could provide him with that opportunity. The bout is seen as a match-up with significant potential from a financial, media, and international perspective, highlighting the commercial viability of such a fight.

American Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, confirmed, "If Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he would take it." This statement underscores Wilder's readiness to engage in high-profile bouts, even as he navigates the later stages of his career. The willingness of both fighters to engage in this match speaks to the allure it holds for fans and promoters alike.

The bout could be promoted by Zuffa, with Usyk potentially linking up with the new promotional venture for the final stage of his career. Zuffa, fronted by UFC president White and backed by Saudi Arabian funding, is seeking to challenge the industry's established promotional model by recognizing its own champions rather than relying on traditional sanctioning-body belts. This innovative approach aims to create a more streamlined and potentially lucrative environment for fighters, which could be particularly appealing for Usyk as he looks to maximize the impact of his final fight.

"We are in direct discussions with Zuffa at the highest level. At this stage, no agreements have been signed," Lapin added. This statement reflects the ongoing negotiations and the complexity involved in organizing a high-stakes event. The involvement of Zuffa could bring a fresh perspective to the promotional landscape of , potentially attracting a diverse audience, including MMA fans.

"Zuffa is being considered as one of the potential partners for a major international event. The final structure will be determined based on what is in the best interests of the fight, the fighters, and the overall scale of the project." This careful consideration indicates that both Usyk and Wilder are looking for a fight that not only satisfies their competitive desires but also maximizes their financial rewards and marketability.

America most 'logical' location for Usyk-Wilder

Usyk controversially stopped kick great Rico Verhoeven in May and had been ordered to defend his WBC belt against 'interim' champion Agit Kabayel next. Instead, he chose to give up his titles, a decision that has sparked discussions about his future and legacy in . Kabayel has since been upgraded to full world champion, illustrating the shifting dynamics within the heavyweight division.

There have been calls for Usyk to give Verhoeven a rematch after the Dutchman pushed him to the limit despite having boxed only once before. Verhoeven, a dominant force in kick, was eventually stopped late in the 11th round, showcasing Usyk's resilience and skill. However, Usyk appears to favor Wilder as the opponent for his farewell fight, indicating that he is looking to conclude his career on a high note against a recognized heavyweight.

Wilder beat Briton Derek Chisora by split decision in April to record the 45th win of his 50-fight professional career. This victory, while significant, also highlighted Wilder's struggles to maintain his former dominance in the ring. The Alabama fighter, who has 43 stoppage victories, was once regarded as the hardest-hitting heavyweight in history. However, he has been in decline in recent years, with many analysts noting that he has not looked the same fighter since his trilogy with Tyson Fury, which exposed vulnerabilities in his technique and strategy.

Lapin says America is "the most logical option" for Usyk-Wilder, but the date and location remain open. The potential for a fight in the United States is substantial, given the country's rich culture and the large market for heavyweight events. "There is considerable interest surrounding this possibility at the moment, but no concrete agreements have been reached," Lapin said. This uncertainty reflects the complexities of organizing a major event, especially one involving two fighters of this caliber.

"A fight of this level requires more than just the right names. It also requires the right partner, the right venue, the right broadcast platform, and an event of the appropriate scale." This statement emphasizes the multifaceted nature of promotions, where logistics, marketing, and audience engagement all play critical roles in the success of an event. As negotiations continue, the world will be watching closely to see if Usyk and Wilder can come together for what could be a historic farewell fight for Usyk, a match that resonates with fans and solidifies his legacy in the .