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Is path clear to Opetaia for BIllam-Smith after Rozicki triumph?
Chris Billam-Smith picked up one of his biggest scalps in recent years after stopping Ryan Rozicki in a Bournemouth thriller.
On his Zuffa debut, 'The Gentleman' made a winning start to life under Dana White with homecoming glory against his rival.
Victory came in a bout that saw both men test their ability to scrap time and again, unloading a slew of blockbuster combos.
Ultimately, it was Rozicki's corner that called time after the seventh round, following a monster combination from the Briton.
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With victory, it appears that a clean path has now been laid for Billam-Smith to challenge Jai Opetaia at the division summit.
But is his path to the Australian as straightforward as he may hope? DAZN News considers what may lay ahead for the star.
Will Billam-Smith fight Opetaia next?
It felt like just as much of the preamble to Billam-Smith's bout with Rozicki was dominated by the spectre of Opetaia beyond.
The former IBF champion sent shockwaves through the sport as arguably Zuffa's biggest capture when he signed his terms.
Upon confirmation of his own deal, Billam-Smith effectively suggested that a pursuit of the Sydneysider was part of his motive.
With that in mind, and with both men currently touting free dockets, it seems a no-brainer for White and company to make next.
Opetaia and Billam-Smith are both former world champions, in a promotion still lacking multiple blue-chip names. It is a draw.
Why could a bout not happen?
Ultimately, there are questions over where Opetaia wishes to go next - and whether Billam-Smith may actually figure in his plans.
Having engaged in a back-and-forth over each man reportedly torpedoing chances to previously meet, the former is in an odd place.
He arrived at Zuffa with assurances he would retain his IBF strap - but was ultimately stripped when contesting for a Zuffa belt.
While the money will surely be good, Opetaia's drive to become undisputed at cruiserweight is currently off the table for the star.
The terms of his deal are relatively opaque. But if traditional belts mean more, the star could well push to exit his contract early.
What are Billam-Smith's options if so?
Should Opetaia not end up opposite Billam-Smith, it will represent something of a hammer-blow for the star and his future plans.
Matt Roberts/Getty Images
The Bournemouth native wants big nights against big names, but being locked into a Zuffa deal does not assure him of those chances.
The promotion may well have some flexibility of course, with Conor Benn expected to face Ryan Garcia this September, for example.
But that will not be a catch-all case, and while Billam-Smith has been left delighted by his treatment so far, Zuffa still must deliver for him.
Overall, it promises to be an intriguing few months for the star and his team as they work to secure Opetaia - and consider what happens if they do not.
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