Just when you thought Molly Qerim’s career couldn’t get any more exciting, she’s back in the spotlight with a bold new move that’s turning heads across the sports world. After her high-profile exit from ESPN, Qerim has landed her first post-ESPN gig as the host of Zuffa Boxing, marking a fresh chapter in her already impressive career. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just any hosting role—it’s a reunion with familiar faces and a dive into the world of boxing, a sport she’s no stranger to.
Front Office Sports has confirmed that Qerim will take center stage at Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event this Friday at the META Apex in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+. This marks the first venture for Zuffa, a joint effort between TKO and Saudi entertainment giant Sela, which has already generated buzz thanks to its powerhouse executives, including Turki Alalshikh, WWE president Nick Khan, and UFC president Dana White. And this is the part most people miss: Zuffa Boxing isn’t just another boxing promotion—it’s a strategic play by Paramount, which also holds the sole rights to UFC, to dominate the combat sports landscape.
Qerim will be joined at the desk by a star-studded lineup, including former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver, boxing insider Mike Coppinger, and veteran reporter Mark Kriegel. The announce team is equally impressive, featuring Joe Tessitore, Max Kellerman, and former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Andre Ward. Ringside, Heidi Androl, known for her work with UFC and NHL Network, will keep viewers updated on all the action. Controversially, this role reunites Qerim with Kellerman, her longtime ESPN First Take colleague, raising questions about whether their on-air chemistry will translate to this new arena.
For Qerim, this is more than just a job—it’s a return to her roots after leaving ESPN’s First Take last year, where she had hosted for over a decade. Meanwhile, Dana White has been vocal about his vision for Zuffa Boxing, telling FOS’s Eric Fisher, ‘I pitched UFC to everybody and I pitched boxing to everybody. This is how it turned out, and they’re separate deals, but the relationship with Paramount already has been incredible.’ But here’s the controversial question: Can Zuffa Boxing truly compete in an already crowded boxing market, or is it just a side project for Paramount’s UFC empire?
Friday night’s main card promises plenty of action, featuring bouts like Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo, Misael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda, and Julian Rodriguez vs. Cain Sandoval. Prelim coverage kicks off at 6 pm ET, with the main card starting at 9 pm ET on Paramount+. And this is where you come in: Do you think Zuffa Boxing has what it takes to shake up the boxing world, or is it just another flash in the pan? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
Editor’s Note: RedBird Capital is an investor in both Paramount and Front Office Sports through its joint venture RedBird IMI.
