Deontay Wilder is set to face one of boxing’s most dominant unbeaten champions in a major addition to the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua event.
The former WBC heavyweight champion will take on Jai Opetaia in the co-main event on December 11 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The blockbuster card will stream live globally on Netflix, with Fury and Joshua headlining the long-awaited showdown.
The matchup presents a significant challenge for both fighters, as Wilder faces an undefeated opponent moving up from cruiserweight, while Opetaia prepares for the biggest name of his professional career.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the bout on Wednesday, confirming that the heavyweight clash would be part of the highly anticipated event.
Deontay Wilder Looks To Extend His Winning Streak
Wilder enters the contest with a professional record of 45-4-1, including 43 knockouts. The 41-year-old has built his reputation around one of the most devastating right hands in boxing and previously held the WBC heavyweight championship from 2015 to 2020.
“The Bronze Bomber” is coming off consecutive victories over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon and Derek Chisora. His win over Chisora in April helped him regain some momentum after a difficult stretch following his trilogy with Tyson Fury.
Wilder also brings considerable experience against elite heavyweight opposition. His three-fight rivalry with Fury featured three WBC heavyweight title bouts, with the British fighter ultimately winning the series.
Meanwhile, Opetaia will make a major leap in weight to face Wilder, moving up from cruiserweight for the first time in what could become the defining fight of his career.
The Australian boasts an unbeaten 31-0 record with 24 knockouts and is regarded as one of the leading fighters in the cruiserweight division. He currently holds the Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight championship and has continued to establish himself as an elite competitor.
Opetaia most recently defended his title against Noel Mikaelian in September. The 31-year-old previously captured the IBF cruiserweight championship in 2022, although he was later stripped of the belt amid disputes surrounding his title obligations.
