Jai Opetaia Stripped of IBF Cruiserweight Title
By Eddie Sanchez
When Jai Opetaia fought Brandon Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa Cruiserweight title on March 8 at the Meta Apex, the IBF telegraphed that they were not willing to sanction the fight to have their title on the line. Opetaia defeated Glanton by UD, with all three judges scoring the fight 119-106.
Two week later we have an update: “On March 19, 2026, the IBF Board of Directors met via teleconference to address the status of the IBF Cruiserweight title held by Jai Opetaia,” the IBF revealed. “At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board voted to vacate the title pursuant to Rule 5.H.”
Rule 5.H. states: “An Unsanctioned Contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn. If a Champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the Champion wins or loses the bout.”
“The IBF wishes Jai Opetaia continued success in his career,” the IBF said in a statement. “He rose through the IBF rankings to become World Champion, one of the highest achievements in a fighter’s career. As noted in an earlier press release regarding this situation, the IBF’s rules don’t always yield the preferred or popular outcome, but they provide structure and transparency, serving not just the champion but also those waiting for the opportunity to fight for the title.”
The title is now vacant.
Opetaia’s goal of becoming an undisputed champion has taken a big step back. Though he could still face the winner of David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez next, a rumored move up to Heavyweight seems as likely as ever.
What’s next for the IBF Cruiserweight Title?
Viddal Riley will be fighting Mateusz Masternak on April 4 in an IBF cruiserweight title eliminator. The winner is expected to face Chris Billam-Smith for the title, who is a former unified champion who lost his titles to Zurdo Ramirez in November 2024.
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