Ex-boxing champion Deontay Wilder returns to co-headline Fury vs. Joshua - MMA Junkie

Technology By USA Today • November 4, 2026, 5:24 PM UTC

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The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua card just got bigger.

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is set to compete in the co-main event Dec. 11 card at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Wilder, one of the biggest heavyweight stars of this generation, takes on Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

The news was announced Wednesday by UFC CEO Dana White.

Wilder (45-4-1), who had two massive title fights with Fury in 2020 and 2021, looks to continue building momentum off the back of two consecutive victories against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in 2025 and Derek Chisora this past April. Since losing his WBC title to Fury in their pair of fights, Wilder has gone 3-2.

Opetaia (31-0) looks to capitalize on easily the biggest name he's ever faced in his boxing career. For this opportunity, Opetaia moves up a weight class from cruiserweight to heavyweight. The Australian fighter last competed in September when he defended his Zuffa Boxing title against Noel Mikaelian.

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