Boxing Stars Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins Join Dana White's Zuffa Boxing

A New Era for Zuffa Boxing

It's an exhilarating time in the boxing world as Dana White's Zuffa Boxing has officially added two dynamic fighters to its stable: Edgar Berlanga, a former title challenger, and Richardson Hitchins, the reigning IBF super lightweight champion. The news dropped on April 8, 2026, and it set the boxing community abuzz.

Edgar Berlanga: A Resilient Competitor

Berlanga, with a record of 23 wins and 2 losses (18 KOs), made headlines when he challenged the legendary Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight title in September 2024. Although he didn't claim victory that night, Berlanga showcased his remarkable grit and persistence.

"I learned a lot from my fight with Canelo. It showed me what I need to grow and improve in this sport," Berlanga shared. "I'm ready to showcase my talent and make an impact under the Zuffa banner."

After his defeat, Berlanga bounced back with an impressive first-round TKO win over Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in March 2025. However, the boxing narrative isn't always a straight path; Berlanga faced another setback when he was stopped by Hamzah Sheeraz last July, reminding us of the sport's unforgiving nature.

Richardson Hitchins: A Rising Star

On the other hand, Hitchins, standing at 20 wins and 0 losses (8 KOs), has already made a name for himself as the IBF super lightweight champion. His ascent to the title came after a unanimous decision victory over Liam Paro in December 2024, establishing him as one of boxing's rising stars.

Hitchins was scheduled to defend his title against Oscar Duarte, but unfortunately, he was forced to withdraw on the day of the fight due to illness. The next plan? The IBF has mandated that Hitchins faces his mandatory challenger, Lindolfo Delgado, proving that the journey for both fighters is far from finished.

The Zuffa Boxing Roster Expands

With the additions of Berlanga and Hitchins, Zuffa Boxing's roster is now stronger than ever, joining the ranks of other fighters like British sensation Conor Benn and former IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. This strategic move not only enhances their competitive edge but also promises thrilling matchups for boxing enthusiasts.

Looking Ahead

Both fighters are set to make their Zuffa Boxing debuts this summer, and anticipation is high. Will Berlanga channel his experiences for a fresh start? Can Hitchins further build upon his undefeated streak?

Whatever the outcome, the landscape of boxing appears set for an electrifying transformation under Dana White's leadership.

Conclusion

The signings of Berlanga and Hitchins signal a commitment to nurturing talent and delivering captivating matchups in the world of boxing. Fans have every reason to stay tuned as these fighters embark on new chapters in their careers, promising to bring their best to the ring.