British star Conor Benn, son of legend Nigel Benn, became the most prominent name, yet, to sign with new U.S. based promotion, Zuffa Boxing on Friday with an apparent one fight, massive deal.
Things outside of the ring have gotten interesting with a significant signing for apparently massive money for Zuffa Boxing. This, as the surprising announcement came Friday that they have inked Britain's Conor Benn to a deal that will have him headline for them coming in a few months.
The 29 year old son of former world champion and English fighting icon Nigel Benn, is off the win of his career in a 12 round, revenge decision over bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr. in November that improved his career record to 24-1, 14 KOs.
And, for the start-up promotion that has pledged to revolutionize modern boxing with their own "fight league," rankings and titles, it's an attention grabbing move, especially the price.
Insider Dan Rafael reported Friday night that Zuffa has given Benn "one eight-figure fight that would take place in April or May in the United Kingdom"
That is by far the most massive money Zuffa has put out, so far, for any fighter and the contradiction that Benn will get that deal without having to have multiple fights for Zuffa is also obvious switch in what they have alleged in their business model.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Zuffa promoter Dana White said,
“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” Z “He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out. He’s ready for a world title next and I can’t wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing. He’s going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.”
For his part, Benn is abandoning, for now, Matchroom Boxing based in the U.K. and promoter Eddie Hearn. This, despite Hearn standing by Benn during his PED suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control just over three years ago. They also co-promoted the huge fights with Eubank, Jr.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade,” Benn said. “From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times.
“It’s been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined, and for their belief, support, and guidance, I will always be truly grateful, but Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse. I’d love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter.”
For his part, White was taunting Hearn in the post-fight press conference last Sunday night in Las Vegas after heavyweight Efe Ajagba knocked out Charles Martin in the main event.
White referred to Hearn as "works for his dad" (now retired promoter Barry Hearn) and using "dad's money" for deals, among other insults. Obviously, White and Zuffa had been negotiating secretly to sign Benn.
Benn becomes the second high-profile signing for Zuffa Boxing, which had inked IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. The Australian star Opetaia will headline for them on March 8th in a title defense against American Brandon Glanton.
Benn jumping to Zuffa also means that his fight for them will be on their broadcast partner Paramount+ in the United States with Zuffa promising a U.K. platform to be announced.
Eubank Jr. and Benn fought the fight of 2025 in their first bout, an all out slugfest for 12 rounds in April that was won by Eubank, Jr. Benn avenged the loss with a tremendous performance over 12 rounds late last year. Those fights were fought at middleweight, but it's believed that Benn will move back down to his former division, welterweight (147 lb.).
And, with the massive signing, for one fight, you have to believe that White, Zuffa and Turki Alashikh, who has the multi-millions behind their promotion, have a large name in mind to fight Benn.
“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,” Benn continued. “I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.”