LAS VEGAS – Zuffa Boxing’s third event takes place Sunday night at the Meta Apex, headlined by a heavyweight contest between Efe Ajagba and former world champion Charles Martin. The card, which also features a compelling co-main event and several undefeated fighters, is set to begin with prelims at 6:00 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9:00 p.m. ET, airing live on Paramount+.
Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs) enters the fight looking to rebound from a majority draw against Martin Bakole in May 2025. His most recent win came against Guido Vianello in April 2024. Martin (30-4-1, 27 KOs), a former IBF heavyweight titleholder, is competing for the first time since November 2024, when he defeated Matthew McKinney.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Ajagba is a significant favorite at -800, while Martin is a +500 underdog. The over/under for total rounds is set at 8.5, with the under favored at -125. This suggests a potential for a relatively quick finish, given Ajagba’s knockout power and Martin’s vulnerability.
The co-main event pits Umar Dzambekov (13-0, 9 KOs) against Ahmed Elbiali (24-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Dzambekov, currently ranked No. 17 at 175 pounds by BoxRec, is a substantial favorite at -1400, with Elbiali coming in at +700. Elbiali hasn’t fought since November 2024 but boasts an impressive eight-fight win streak since his only career loss in 2017.
Opening the main card is a lightweight contest between undefeated prospects Abel Mejia (10-0) and Jaybrio Pe Benito (6-0). Mejia, who began his professional career two and a half years ago, has demonstrated considerable potential, winning seven fights by knockout and going 4-0 in 2025 with three victories by KO/TKO. Despite both fighters’ unblemished records, Mejia is heavily favored at -1400, with Pe Benito as the +700 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Beyond the main and co-main events, the card features a number of intriguing matchups. Leonardo Ruiz will face Casey Streeter in a super welterweight bout, while Antonio Woods will take on Mark Beuke in a middleweight contest. The prelims also include lightweight action between Oswaldo Molina and Joshua Clark, a super bantamweight fight featuring Emiliano Alvarado and Devin Gantt, and another lightweight bout between Dariial Kuchmenov and Jorge Lagunas.
This event marks Zuffa Boxing’s continued effort to establish itself as a significant player in the boxing landscape. By showcasing a mix of established veterans like Martin and rising prospects like Dzambekov and Mejia, the promotion aims to deliver compelling action and build a loyal fanbase. The presence of six undefeated fighters on the card underscores the opportunity for new stars to emerge.
The Ajagba-Martin main event presents a clash of styles and experience. Ajagba’s raw power and aggressive approach will be tested against Martin’s seasoned ring generalship and knockout ability. While Ajagba is the clear favorite, Martin’s history of upsets and ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses make him a dangerous opponent. The outcome of this fight could significantly impact both fighters’ trajectories in the heavyweight division.
The Dzambekov-Elbiali co-main event offers a compelling matchup between two undefeated light heavyweights. Dzambekov’s relentless pressure and knockout power will be challenged by Elbiali’s technical skills and experience. This fight has the potential to be a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with both fighters looking to make a statement.
The lightweight contest between Mejia and Pe Benito is a showcase of the next generation of boxing talent. Both fighters are undefeated and possess impressive knockout records. This fight will be a valuable test for both prospects, providing an opportunity to climb the rankings and establish themselves as contenders in the lightweight division.
Full Fight Card:
Main Card
Heavyweight bout: Efe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin
Light Heavyweight: Umar Dzambekov vs. Ahmed Elbiali
Lightweight Bout: Abel Mejia vs. Jaybrio Pe Benito
Prelims
Super Welterweight Bout: Leonardo Ruiz vs. Casey Streeter
Middleweight Bout: Antonio Woods vs. Mark Beuke
Lightweight Bout: Oswaldo Molina vs. Joshua Clark
Super Bantamweight Bout: Emiliano Alvarado vs. Devin Gantt
Lightweight Bout: Dariial Kuchmenov vs. Jorge Lagunas
