Rodriguez confirms approach from Dana White’s venture ahead of June 13 title fight
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez says Zuffa Boxing made contact before he chose to stay with Matchroom. The unified champion opted for stability ahead of his June 13 title fight.
Rodriguez, one of the sport’s most respected young champions at 26, said contact was made before he agreed to remain with Eddie Hearn’s company.
“I was, but like you said, we’ve resigned Matchroom and we’re happy where we’re at. So, just expect more bigger fights, bigger nights,” said Bam to Fight Hub TV, confirming the approach in direct terms.
That answer carries weight beyond one contract decision. Zuffa has been linked to aggressive recruitment plans as it tries to build a roster quickly, but Rodriguez is the kind of fighter established promoters do not want to lose. He is in his prime, already proven in title fights, and still moving through weight classes.
Rather than gamble on a startup model, Bam stayed with a promoter that has kept him active and visible. For a fighter entering another important stage of his career, that is usually the safer play.
Rodriguez returns June 13 when he moves up again to challenge for a bantamweight world title against Fernando Vargas. A victory would make him a three-division world champion at an age when many fighters are still trying to define themselves.
He said the opportunity was enough to reset his focus after frustration at junior bantamweight.
“It’s exciting just to be back in the mix. Finally have a fight day, finally have something to work towards,” said Rodriguez.
The sanctioning bodies can slow plans at one weight, but titles in a higher division offer a cleaner route.
For now, Rodriguez remains one of the more valuable smaller-weight fighters in boxing, and Matchroom managed to keep him away from a rival that is trying to buy momentum fast.
