Championing Mental Health 3: WBC Title Bout on UFC Fight Pass, a New Spotlight on Boxers' Mental Health

The professional boxing industry is once again highlighting the issue of mental health through Championing Mental Health 3 (CMH 3), which will take place on 26 September at the Commerce Casino and Hotel, Los Angeles. The charity event is promoted by 555 Media Agency and will be broadcast globally on the UFC Fight Pass platform, marking its debut on the UFC streaming channel.

Since it was first held in May 2025, Championing Mental Health has positioned itself as a promoter that prioritizes boxer welfare. Unlike ordinary fights, every boxer involved gets access to mental health resources, education, and psychological support. This approach highlights the reality that pressure in the ring is not only physical but also mental.

The night's main event will pit Mai Soliman (10-2, 6 KO) against Maria Micheo Santizo (14-7-1, 8 KO) in a WBC Super Flyweight title eliminator. For Soliman, this is her debut in the United States as well as her first appearance since challenging WBO Super Flyweight world champion Mizuki Hiruta at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, last May. Soliman's presence in the ring is expected to draw international fans' attention, in line with CMH's mission to reach a global audience through UFC Fight Pass.

In the co-main event, the WBA NABA Super Featherweight title will be contested between Otar Eranosyan (17-0, 9 KO) and Duban Zuleta (10-0-1, 8 KO). Eranosyan, a 33-year-old boxer from Akhalkalaki, Georgia, who trains in Miami, comes in with two consecutive KO wins. Meanwhile Zuleta, 28, is looking to return to winning ways after a draw against Aland Ramirez. This bout also marks Zuleta's debut in the United States.

“When we started Championing Mental Health last year, we wanted to create a unique event platform that prioritizes boxers and their needs,” said Anthony Girges, Founder of 555 Media Agency. “We are ready to deliver the third event, following the success of the WBC Cruiserweight World Championship rematch between Noel Mikaelian and Badou Jack at CMH 2. I thank the sponsors for continuing to give a stage to veterans and young contenders, this time through UFC Fight Pass to showcase our product on the global stage.”

Besides the main and co-main events, a number of other fights will fill out the card, such as Michael Bracamontes vs Eric Mondragon, Isaac Anguiano vs Jessie Mandapat, Justin Viloria vs Willie Shaw, and Deni Davtian vs Jose Edgardo Perdomo. There are also Carson Crawford vs Katrina Scalzo, Jesus Diego vs Rondarius Hunter, Peter Martinez vs Giovanny Gonzalez, and Bryan Eduardo Arias vs Benji Gomez. Names such as Ricardo Gaspariano and Nicolas Robledo are also scheduled to appear with opponents to be determined later.

For the Indonesian public, this event can serve as a mirror of how mental health issues are beginning to be raised in the world of sport, particularly boxing. At home, discussion of athletes' psychological pressure is still rarely heard, even though national boxers face similar burdens: public expectations, injuries, and career uncertainty. Initiatives like CMH can serve as an example that mental support is not merely a supplement, but an integral part of developing professional athletes.

Looking ahead, will this promoter model that cares about mental health be adopted by other boxing events, including in Indonesia? Or will it remain a niche run by only a handful of parties? The answer will determine the direction of a more humane sports industry.