Edwin De Los Santos and Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela will face each other in a lightweight rematch during Zuffa Boxing 08 [1].
The bout serves as a key attraction for the event, highlighting the continued expansion of boxing initiatives organized by Zuffa and the UFC. This match is part of a broader Big Fight Weekend card designed to elevate the profile of the participating athletes [2].
The event is scheduled for June 28, 2024 [1], at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada [2]. According to the UFC, the pre-show and first preliminary fight will broadcast at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT [3].
De Los Santos enters the ring with a professional record of 17-2, including 15 KOs [4]. He faces Valenzuela, who holds a record of 15-3 with nine KOs [4]. The rematch is expected to be a high-impact encounter given the knockout ratios of both fighters.
Zuffa Boxing 08 is positioned as a strategic centerpiece of the Las Vegas combat sports calendar. By hosting the event at a high-profile venue like The Cosmopolitan, the organizers aim to merge the atmosphere of professional boxing with the promotional reach of the UFC [2].
The fight will be the first preliminary contest of the evening, setting the pace for the rest of the Zuffa Boxing 08 card. The broadcast will be available via the UFC's official channels to provide global access to the pre-show festivities [3].
“Edwin De Los Santos enters the ring with a professional record of 17-2, including 15 KOs”
This event signals the UFC's intent to further integrate professional boxing into its promotional ecosystem. By utilizing the 'Zuffa Boxing' brand and hosting events during high-traffic weekends in Las Vegas, the organization is leveraging its existing combat sports infrastructure to challenge traditional boxing promoters and create a new pipeline for striking athletes.
