Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba announced his arrival on the Zuffa Boxing stage in emphatic fashion, stopping former IBF world champion Charles Martin via fourth-round technical knockout on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
The bout headlined Zuffa Boxing 03, the third event promoted by Zuffa Boxing, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and streamed live on Paramount+.
Ajagba endured a measured opening, landing just nine punches across the first two rounds as both heavyweights sized each other up.
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The contest swung decisively late in the third round when Ajagba unleashed a sharp two-punch combination that dropped Martin to the canvas.
Early in the fourth, a thunderous right hand sent the American down again, and a sustained barrage forced the referee to halt proceedings at 1:11 of the round.
The victory marked Ajagba’s first stoppage win since 2023 and improved his professional record to 21-1-1, with 15 knockouts.
It also underscored his status as a leading contender, with the Nigerian currently ranked No. 4 by the WBC and No. 10 by The Ring magazine.
The fight was Ajagba’s first appearance since signing with Zuffa Boxing following a frustrating majority draw against Martin Bakole in May 2025.
His dominant performance positions him as a prime candidate for a future Zuffa heavyweight title bout under the promotion spearheaded by Dana White.
Visibly emotional after the win, Ajagba dedicated the knockout to his late father, who passed away shortly before the fight, calling the victory “a special moment” in his career.
With a statement finish against a former world champion, Ajagba has firmly placed himself at the forefront of Zuffa Boxing’s heavyweight picture and reignited momentum on his path toward championship contention.
