Zuffa Boxing has officially signed British fighters Sam Hickey, Leon Hughes, and Max MacMillan to its expanding roster, marking a significant step in the promotion’s push into the United Kingdom market. The announcement, confirmed on May 26, 2026, by Boxing Scene and earlier by Sky Sports, brings three undefeated prospects into the fold. All three fighters are scheduled to make their promotional debuts on June 6 at the Bournemouth International Centre during the Zuffa Boxing 07 event.
The card is headlined by the Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki clash and signifies a major milestone for the organization. This event represents the first mainline “numbered” Zuffa Boxing card to be held outside the United States and the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Since its launch in January 2026, the joint venture between UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh has rapidly built a roster that now nears 100 fighters under a centralized league model.
The recruitment of these athletes follows the high-profile signing of Conor Benn in February, further establishing Zuffa Boxing’s foothold in the region. The organization has committed to a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports, which includes a minimum of five events per year on British soil. While global stars often dominate headlines, the development of domestic talent remains a core pillar of the new promotion’s strategy in its first year of operation.
Scottish amateur standout Sam Hickey joins the ranks
Sam Hickey leads the new trio of signings with a decorated background in the amateur ranks. The Scottish fighter won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and claimed five national titles before transitioning to the professional side of the sport. Currently holding a record of 4-0 with one knockout, Sam Hickey turned professional under the guidance of Rob McCracken, the former trainer of Anthony Joshua and Carl Froch.
The 2022 Best Male Boxer award winner last competed in December, where he secured a six-round victory over Aljaz Venko. For his Zuffa Boxing debut in Bournemouth, he is slated for an eight-round contest against an opponent yet to be named. His addition provides the promotion with an elite technical talent as they look to capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport, much like how women’s boxing is entering a new golden era through increased platform exposure.
Leon Hughes and Max MacMillan bolster Bournemouth card
British fighter Leon Hughes joins the stable with a perfect 4-0 record, including three knockouts. Training at the Jennings Boxing Gym in Chorley, Leon Hughes made his professional debut in March 2025. He will face Bulgaria’s Mario Vergiev, who carries an 8-4 record with five knockouts, in a scheduled six-round bout. Leon Hughes previously earned a silver medal at the 2024 England Boxing National Championships during his amateur career.
Max MacMillan, who hails from Morecambe, also enters the June 6 card with an undefeated 3-0 record. Training under Shane McGuigan at the McGuigan Gym in East London, Max MacMillan shares a stable with Chris Billam-Smith. He has already built a reputation in the gym by sparring with high-level names like Chris Eubank Jnr. He will face Tyler Rivers in a six-round matchup as part of the undercard.
The inclusion of these prospects highlights the promotion’s focus on building from the ground up rather than relying solely on established veterans. While some major deals in the sport can be held up when boxing match negotiations are delayed by contract talks, Zuffa Boxing’s centralized approach aims to streamline the process of getting active prospects into the ring consistently.
Zuffa Boxing 07 broadcast and event details
Zuffa Boxing 07 marks the promotion’s first major mainline event on British soil. British and Irish fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports, while viewers in the United States and Canada can access the event exclusively through Paramount+. This dual-platform strategy is designed to provide maximum international visibility for the newly signed fighters as they compete in a traditional arena environment at the Bournemouth International Centre.
The “UFC-style” league model introduced by Zuffa Boxing has already shifted the domestic landscape. By securing multi-year deals and providing a clear path for prospects, the organization is looking to redefine how fighters are marketed and managed. Unlike traditional promotional models, Zuffa’s structure encourages frequent activity, ensuring that fighters like Sam Hickey, Leon Hughes, and Max MacMillan remain in the public eye. Events like this are essential for grooming future champions, similar to how Fury’s August bout may be Joshua prep for larger eventual pay-per-view clashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the three new Zuffa Boxing signings from Britain?
The three newest signings are Sam Hickey, Leon Hughes, and Max MacMillan. Sam Hickey is a decorated Scottish amateur gold medalist, Leon Hughes is an undefeated fighter from Chorley, and Max MacMillan is a Morecambe-based prospect who trains under Shane McGuigan.
When will these three fighters make their promotional debuts?
All three fighters are scheduled to debut for Zuffa Boxing on June 6, 2026. They will compete on the Zuffa Boxing 07 card, which is headlined by the Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki fight at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, England.
How can I watch the Zuffa Boxing 07 event live?
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. For fans in the United States and Canada, the full card will be available to stream exclusively on the Paramount+ platform.
