A heavyweight fight headlines Zuffa Boxing 3 on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as rising contender Efe Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs) meets former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin (30-4-1, 27 KOs) at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Scheduled for 10 rounds and airing on Paramount+, the matchup pairs Ajagba’s size, power, and improving discipline against Martin’s veteran experience and still‑dangerous left hand.
With Ajagba listed as a heavy favorite at -850 in boxing betting odds, oddsmakers expect his form and athletic advantages to carry the night, but Martin’s power and southpaw stance introduce real volatility in a fight that could shift quickly if Ajagba makes a big mistake.
Efe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin Fight Preview
Efe Ajagba, age 31, enters at 20-1-1 with 14 knockouts and a 5-0-1 run in his last six fights. At 6’5” with an orthodox stance, the Nigerian heavyweight relies on straight punches, physical strength, and a measured pressure style that has tightened over the last two years.
His recent results include a majority draw against Martin Bakole, a split decision win over Guido Vianello, a 4th round TKO of Joseph Goodall, a 4th round disqualification win over Zhan Kossobutskiy, a unanimous decision over Stephan Shaw, and a 2nd round TKO of Jozsef Darmos.
Ajagba’s strength is his ability to control range with a stiff jab and force opponents backward with steady pressure. When he maintains structure, he becomes difficult to outbox or outmuscle. His challenge is avoiding long defensive lapses. Against Bakole, he absorbed too many clean shots, and Martin’s left hand is the type of weapon that punishes slow starts or straight‑line retreats.
Charles Martin, age 39, enters at 30-4-1 with 27 knockouts and remains one of the division’s most dangerous punchers. At 6’5” and fighting from a southpaw stance, Martin brings size, power, and veteran timing. His recent run includes a 1st round knockout of Matthew McKinney, a unanimous decision loss to Jared Anderson, a 4th round knockout of Devin Vargas, a 6th round TKO loss to Luis Ortiz, a 6th round TKO of Gerald Washington, and a 4th round TKO of Daniel Martz.
Martin’s strength is his ability to change a fight instantly with his left hand. Even at 39, he remains a live threat early, especially against opponents who stand tall or retreat in straight lines. His challenge is consistency. He has fought only sporadically over the last decade, and his defense and conditioning have been unreliable against top‑tier opposition.
Efe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin Predictions
With Ajagba entering as a -850 favorite in boxing betting odds, the market expects his youth, form, and structure to control the matchup. The tactical question is whether Ajagba can stay disciplined for 10 rounds or whether Martin can create chaos with early power shots.
Expect Ajagba to establish his jab, push Martin backward, and look to control the center of the ring. Martin’s best path is to time Ajagba’s entries with counter left hands and force exchanges before Ajagba settles into rhythm.
If Ajagba maintains range and avoids trading recklessly, his consistency and physicality give him the edge. If Martin can disrupt the pace early and land clean left hands, he becomes a far more dangerous underdog than the line suggests.
Lean: Ajagba by decision or late stoppage, with Martin having isolated moments but struggling to win rounds consistently.
Efe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin Betting Tips
Moneyline
• Efe Ajagba is listed at -850, reflecting his youth, form, and structural advantages.
• Charles Martin is listed at +500, offering underdog value based on power and southpaw timing.
Method of Victory
• Ajagba by decision is a stable angle if you expect a measured, disciplined performance.
• Ajagba by KO is live if Martin fades or gets trapped on the ropes.
• Martin by KO is the clearest upset path given his power and Ajagba’s occasional defensive lapses.
Props
• Fight goes the distance is viable if Ajagba boxes cautiously and Martin survives the early rounds.
• Ajagba by decision offers value relative to his moneyline price.
• Martin inside the distance is the only realistic path for the underdog.
Efe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin Key Stats & Tale of the Tape
• Efe Ajagba: 20-1-1 (14 KOs), age 31, height 6’5”, orthodox. Structured pressure fighter with power and improving discipline.
• Charles Martin: 30-4-1 (27 KOs), age 39, height 6’5”, southpaw. Veteran puncher with timing and a dangerous left hand.
• Records & Form: Ajagba unbeaten in his last six; Martin 4-2 with sporadic activity.
• Physical Edge: Similar height, but Ajagba holds advantages in youth, consistency, and durability.
• Venue & Broadcast: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada — Paramount+.
The tale of the tape highlights a matchup between Ajagba’s structure, youth, and steady pressure versus Martin’s power, experience, and southpaw danger. Ajagba brings momentum and form, while Martin brings volatility and the ability to flip a fight instantly. The edges tilt toward Ajagba’s consistency, but the matchup remains dangerous if he gives Martin clean counter opportunities.
