Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba introduced his arrival on the Zuffa Boxing stage in emphatic vogue, stopping former IBF world champion Charles Martin through fourth-round technical knockout on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
The bout headlined Zuffa Boxing 03, the third occasion promoted by Zuffa Boxing, held on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and streamed reside on Paramount+.
Ajagba endured a measured opening, touchdown simply 9 punches throughout the primary two rounds as each heavyweights sized one another up.
The competition swung decisively late within the third spherical when Ajagba unleashed a pointy two-punch mixture that dropped Martin to the canvas.
Early within the fourth, a thunderous proper hand despatched the American down once more, and a sustained barrage compelled the referee to halt proceedings at 1:11 of the spherical.
The victory marked Ajagba’s first stoppage win since 2023 and improved his skilled document to 21-1-1, with 15 knockouts.
It additionally underscored his standing as a number one contender, with the Nigerian presently ranked No. 4 by the WBC and No. 10 by The Ring journal.
The struggle was Ajagba’s first look since signing with Zuffa Boxing following a irritating majority draw in opposition to Martin Bakole in Might 2025.
His dominant efficiency positions him as a major candidate for a future Zuffa heavyweight title bout below the promotion spearheaded by Dana White.
Visibly emotional after the win, Ajagba devoted the knockout to his late father, who handed away shortly earlier than the struggle, calling the victory “a particular second” in his profession.
With a press release end in opposition to a former world champion, Ajagba has firmly positioned himself on the forefront of Zuffa Boxing’s heavyweight image and reignited momentum on his path towards championship rivalry.
