Edgar Berlanga has big plans beyond the boxing ring. The 29-year-old Brooklyn native, known for his knockout power, told TMZ Sports he's setting his sights on wrestling and acting once his boxing career winds down.
Berlanga, who recently signed with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, cited White's ability to build stars as a key factor in his decision. "Dana made the UFC a brand. That's one thing that caught my eye when he came into boxing. He understands how to market, how to build fighters," Berlanga said. "I said, 'Yo, Dana, I'm gonna do my job. I'm gonna win, I'm gonna look good, I'm gonna catch these knockouts, and continue to build my brand. One day you'll probably call me like 'Yo, I got a spot for you to do some WWE.'"
His dream WWE tag team partner? Damian Priest, a friend of his. Berlanga also has acting ambitions, nearly landing a role in Creed III before an injury forced him to withdraw. With William Morris Endeavor—a major talent agency—owning a stake in TKO Group, which partially owns Zuffa Boxing, those opportunities may come.
But Berlanga knows success outside the ring depends on success inside it. After starting his career with 16 straight knockouts, he has lost two of his last three fights, including one to Canelo Alvarez. Now, he says he's focused and ready: "I'm feeling amazing. I'm back better than ever. My sparring, my conditioning, I'm just on a different level. My mentality now, World Championship time."
His next fight is July 26 against Steven Butler at Madison Square Garden.