Talks are underway between the team of Oleksandr Usyk and UFC president Dana White with Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, confirming that dialogue exists between both sides.
A close member of Usyk’s inner circle, Sergey Lapin, also acknowledged the interest while stressing that negotiations remain fluid. According to Lapin, several doors are open and the final outcome will depend on whether the right structure, timing and financial terms can be aligned. He highlighted White’s proven ability to elevate combat sports events, pointing to how he helped package Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez into a global spectacle last September.
White, who launches Zuffa Boxing’s first event on January 23, has made no secret of his ambition to reshape the boxing landscape, focusing on major events rather than traditional sanctioning-body politics. Usyk has openly stated that he expects only two or three fights remain in his career, making the timing of any potential move especially significant.
Usyk last fought in July, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois for a second time in front of more than 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Shortly after, he vacated the WBO heavyweight title, leading to Fabio Wardley being elevated to full champion. Despite stepping away from one belt, Usyk remains the WBC, WBA and IBF titleholder and is widely regarded as the division’s clear No. 1.
For Usyk’s camp, the focus is firmly on legacy. Lapin explained that only fights capable of creating a genuine global event are being considered, with Wilder viewed as one of the last remaining superstar names capable of delivering that scale and while other top heavyweights remain in the mix, the shortlist continues to evolve.
For now, the message from Team Usyk is clear: if the Ukrainian returns to the ring, it will be for something meaningful. Whether that means a Zuffa-backed spectacle against Wilder remains to be seen.
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