Overview
- Australia's only current male world champion ended mandatory challenger Hüseyin Cinkara with a heavy left hand in round eight after a brief scare in the second.
- Opetaia improved to 29-0 (23 KOs) and said he was disappointed with a "sloppy" display but reiterated his intention to pursue unification next.
- The defense topped a sold-out Stan Sport pay-per-view, the first show of Tasman Fighters' three-event deal, with international streaming on UFC Fight Pass.
- Cinkara, 40, arrived unbeaten at 23-0 (19 KOs), rejected a larger step-aside offer, and took an estimated $70,000 purse for the title shot.
- With WBO/WBA titleholder Gilberto Ramírez focused on David Benavídez, Opetaia’s camp plans to press other champions, including the Badou Jack–Noel Mikaelian winner in Los Angeles.