A look at the Zuffa Boxing signings Edgar Berlanga Richardson Hitchins 2026 season in boxing so far this year.
Paramount Plus are well up and running now in the US in boxing and then some.
Apparently the UFC are getting ready to do a boxing card now outside the Apex soon enough for the first time.
They have been signing many fighters including the likes of Conor Benn.
But for new fans to boxing, let’s take a look at two of their more well known US fighters Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins — as well as posssible next opponents:
10 quick facts + Zuffa move
- Richardson Hitchins: 28 years old, from Brooklyn. Record is 20-0 with 8 KOs. Holds a world title at 140 lbs, junior welterweight.
- Edgar Berlanga: 28 years old, Puerto Rican, also Brooklyn. Record is 23-2 with 18 KOs. Fights at 168 lbs, super middleweight.
- Hitchins’ style: A pure boxer. Wins with defense, footwork, and clean straight punches. Not a knockout artist.
- Berlanga’s style: Power puncher. Started his career with 16 first-round KOs in a row. Comes forward looking for damage.
- Hitchins’ big wins: Beat Liam Paro to win his title in 2024. Stopped George Kambosos Jr. in 8 rounds in June 2025.
- Berlanga’s big fights: Lost to Canelo Alvarez by decision in Sept 2024. Was stopped by Hamzah Sheeraz in 5 rounds in July 2025.
- Amateur background: Hitchins fought in the 2016 Olympics for Haiti. Berlanga was a top amateur in New York before turning pro.
- Same manager: Both are managed by Keith Connolly.
- Zuffa Boxing signing: Both signed multi-fight deals with Dana White’s new Zuffa Boxing in April 2026. Their debuts are expected summer 2026.
- Weight class issue: Zuffa only uses 8 divisions. It doesn’t have 140 or 168. So Hitchins will likely move up to 147 lbs and vacate his title. Berlanga will likely move up to 175 lbs.
Who they might fight next
- Hitchins: At 147, the obvious target is other Zuffa signees. Conor Benn is also with Zuffa and fights at 147. That’s the biggest name being talked about.
- Berlanga: At 175, he’ll need new opponents. No names are official yet. Zuffa is still building that division, but he’s said he wants the “biggest fights on boxing’s best platform.”
For new fans to know
- If you like chess-match boxing → watch Hitchins.
- If you like KO power → watch Berlanga.
Richardson Hitchins has been vocal on social media lately.
Boxing fans will want him to back up the talk.
Both above fighters should be in some good scraps next up.
