Former WBO bantamweight champion Jason Moloney has signed a multi-fight promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing, the company announced on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The 35-year-old Australian, known as “Mayhem,” joins the Las Vegas-based promotion as it continues to expand its roster with experienced international talent.
Moloney, a native of Melbourne, has been a fixture in the 118-pound division since 2017 and currently sits among the weight class’s top contenders. His debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The signing follows a successful run for Moloney, who has won his last two bouts, including a unanimous decision victory over American Andre Donovan in April.
“I love what Zuffa is doing, giving the fans great fights every time and matching the best against the best,” Moloney said in a statement. “And that’s what I’m all about, fighting the best and becoming the best.” This move marks a new chapter for the veteran, who has boxed 210 professional rounds and holds a record of 29-4 with 20 knockouts.
Jason Moloney’s proven world title pedigree joins Zuffa
Moloney brings significant championship experience to the Zuffa Boxing roster. After turning professional in 2014 and winning his first 17 fights in Australia, he rose to global prominence in May 2023. In that outing, he outpointed Vincent Astrolabio via majority decision to capture the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
His tenure as champion included a successful defense against Saul Sanchez, a bout regarded by many as a Fight of the Year candidate. However, Moloney relinquished the strap in May 2024 following a spirited 12-round battle with Japan’s Yoshiki Takei. Earlier losses in his career came against former IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez and the formidable Naoya Inoue. He’s currently won 3 of his last 5 fights overall.
Despite those setbacks, he has recently corrected his course, rebounding with a fourth-round technical knockout of Herlan Gomez in December 2025. He then secured a unanimous decision over Andre Donovan last April. This strong recent form highlights his continued capability at the world level.
The Australian is also part of a rare boxing legacy. His twin brother, Andrew Moloney, currently holds a junior bantamweight world title. They are one of only five sets of twins in boxing history to both secure world championships. This family pedigree remains a point of interest as Zuffa builds its brand around recognizable names.
Moloney’s path to world titles and key victories
Beyond his WBO bantamweight reign, Moloney has collected several other notable titles throughout his career. He has held the WBA Oceania bantamweight title since 2017, proving his dominance in the region. In 2018, he added the Commonwealth bantamweight title to his collection.
He also defended the WBC Silver bantamweight title in June 2022 and won the WBO International bantamweight title that same month. His most recent win over Andre Donovan secured him the vacant IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight title in April 2026. Moloney’s ability to consistently win and hold regional and international belts underscores his consistent performance.
Zuffa Boxing strategy and the bantamweight landscape
The acquisition of Moloney aligns with the reported goals of Zuffa Boxing to centralize matchmaking and increase the frequency of high-level encounters. Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture between Sela and TKO Group Holdings, operates out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Its founders, Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh, aim to create a more consistent and unified promotional model for boxing.
The promotion has been active in staging international events, including recent shows in London and Bournemouth. They have a media rights agreement with Paramount Skydance, ensuring events air on Paramount+ and selected ones are simulcast on CBS. This deal guarantees 12 events annually, with up to 16 planned for 2026.
Zuffa Boxing held its inaugural event in September 2025, featuring Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Their first official numbered event under the Paramount Skydance partnership was Zuffa Boxing 01 on January 23, 2026, held at the Meta Apex in the Las Vegas Valley. They also expanded to New York with a debut event at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2026, headlined by Edgar Berlanga vs. Steven Butler. This aggressive schedule showcases their commitment to rapid expansion.
While certain high-profile negotiations in the sport have recently stalled, such as the contract disputes affecting the heavyweight division, Zuffa has moved quickly to secure active contenders. Moloney remains focused on returning to the summit of the division, noting in April that he is open to any path that leads to a world title eliminator.
The bantamweight division is currently undergoing a revitalization, similar to how women’s boxing is entering a new era of visibility and competition. By signing with Zuffa, Moloney gains access to a platform that utilizes streaming via Paramount+ to reach a global audience. The promotion has already established a footprint at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas and is preparing for further expansion throughout 2026.
Future outlook for Mayhem in the 118-pound division
With a 69% knockout ratio, Moloney remains a dangerous threat to any bantamweight prospect or champion. His experience against elite opposition, including past encounters with Naoya Inoue and Emmanuel Rodriguez, provides him with a level of seasoning that few in the division can match. He enters the Zuffa stable having boxed 210 rounds in his career, indicating his durability and ring IQ.
While Zuffa Boxing has not yet named his first opponent, the company’s agreement with Paramount Skydance suggests a busy schedule ahead. Moloney has expressed a desire to stay active, indicating he hopes to fit in at least two more fights this year. His presence adds veteran stability to a roster that includes rising stars and established titleholders alike.
For Moloney, the ultimate goal is to hold world honors once again. Whether that comes through a direct eliminator or a high-stakes clash with another top-ranked contender, the Australian is betting on Zuffa’s “best against the best” model to provide the opportunity. As the bantamweight division continues to shift, “Mayhem” is now positioned at the center of the sport’s newest promotional powerhouse.
