Zuffa Boxing, the combat sports promotion fronted by UFC President Dana White, will bring “Zuffa Boxing 10” to the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The high-profile event features Monaghan’s Aaron McKenna fighting for the vacant IBF middleweight world title against Italy’s Etinosa Oliha.
Cork sensation Callum Walsh is set to return in the headlining slot, marking a major homecoming for two of Ireland’s most prominent undefeated boxing talents.
This showcase represents a pivotal moment for Zuffa Boxing as its first-ever card in Ireland and only its second event held outside the United States. Following a multi-year broadcast agreement signed in March, the card will be televised on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch the action via Paramount+, as the promotion continues to expand its international footprint with high-stakes matchmaking in key regions.
The opportunity for Aaron McKenna to fight for world honors materialized after IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was stripped of his title. This vacancy allowed the sanctioning body to order a bout between the division’s top available contenders.
McKenna, boasting a 20-0 record with 10 knockouts, is currently ranked third by the IBF, while the second-ranked Etinosa Oliha brings an equally flawless 22-0 resume to the Dublin ring.
Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha contest vacant IBF middleweight title
The chief-support bout between Aaron McKenna and Etinosa Oliha pits two distinct styles against one another for the prestigious IBF world title. McKenna, 26, enters the contest with significant momentum following his dominant victory over veteran Liam Smith in April 2025.
That night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, McKenna secured a wide unanimous decision with judges’ scorecards of 119-108, 117-109, and 118-108, proving he can handle elite domestic competition.
Etinosa Oliha provides a stern test, having remained active with a stoppage win over Ivan Njegac in September 2025. The Italian holds the higher ranking and is known for a disciplined, European-style approach. For McKenna, this fight represents a full-circle moment; he was once trained by Freddie Roach in the United States but is now coached by his father, Fergal McKenna, back in Ireland.
The middleweight landscape has been shifting rapidly as contenders jockey for position. This title fight follows other major movements in the division, such as the Vincenzo Gualtieri vs. Amari Jones IBF eliminator that helped clarify the rankings earlier this year. The winner of the August 8 clash will immediately become the man to beat in the 160-pound weight class.
Callum Walsh returns to headline major show at 3Arena
While the world title is on the line earlier in the night, Callum Walsh is expected to take the headlining position for Zuffa Boxing 10. Walsh has become a centerpiece of Dana White’s boxing venture, having recently defeated Carlos Ocampo in January 2026 at the UFC Apex.
Despite suffering a flash knockdown in the sixth round, Walsh won a clear unanimous decision with scores of 98–90, 98–90, and 97–91.
Though an opponent has yet to be officially confirmed, Shane Mosley Jr. has been frequently mentioned as a potential rival for Walsh’s return. Walsh already has a successful history at the 3Arena, having recorded a clinical second-round knockout of Przemyslaw Runowski there in September 2024.
Trained by Freddie Roach, the Cork native currently holds the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title and maintains a 69% knockout ratio.
Strategic growth for the promotion often relies on these high-profile homecoming dates to build fan loyalty. This is similar to how other weight classes are seeing veterans and newcomers collide; recently, Mbilli has been touted as a challenge for Canelo, showing that promoters are increasingly looking for fresh matchups to engage global audiences. Walsh represents that new wave for Zuffa Boxing.
Logistics and broadcast details for Zuffa Boxing 10
Tickets for the August 8 show are expected to be in high demand given Walsh and McKenna’s popularity in Ireland. Fans can currently register for ticket information and early access updates through Zuffa Boxing’s official portal to avoid missing out.
While official prices for the Dublin show will follow, previous Zuffa events have seen tickets range from an average of $91 to $257 on the secondary market.
VIP Experience packages are also being handled by On Location, offering fans premium ringside seating and exclusive access to fighters. The choice of the 3Arena ensures a major atmosphere, as it remains the premier indoor venue for professional boxing in the Irish capital. The broad distribution through Sky Sports and Paramount+ confirms that Zuffa is positioning this event as a top-tier international sporting broadcast.
Dana White’s expanding vision for the professional boxing market
Zuffa Boxing 10 is part of a busy summer schedule that indicates a deeper commitment to the sport from the UFC’s parent company. The promotion also has Zuffa Boxing 07 scheduled for June 6 at the Bournemouth International Centre, where Chris Billam-Smith takes on Ryan Rozicki.
By running multiple international shows within months of each other, Dana White is moving beyond experimental cards and toward a consistent global circuit.
This expansion comes at a time when traditional promoters are often bogged down by complex negotiations. For example, the contract dispute between Fury and Joshua has slowed momentum at the heavyweight level. Zuffa’s ability to quickly organize world title fights for prospects like McKenna suggests they are finding a way to navigate the often-turbulent waters of boxing’s sanctioning bodies with greater agility.
The full undercard and the official confirmation of Walsh’s opponent are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. For now, the focus in Irish boxing circles remains on August 8. If Aaron McKenna can secure the vacant title, he will join an elite list of Irish world champions and solidify Dublin as a permanent fixture on the Zuffa Boxing calendar.
