Conor Benn Joins Zuffa Boxing
Conor Benn has left Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to sign with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing organization. The 24-1 British fighter becomes the latest high-profile addition to Zuffa's growing roster, signaling the organization's intent to become a major player in global boxing. Benn's move leverages Dana White's promotional infrastructure and combat sports expertise to potentially create new crossover opportunities.
- Benn's career has been embroiled in controversy since October 2022, when he twice tested positive for the banned female fertility drug, clomifene, leading to the last-minute cancellation of a highly anticipated fight against Chris Eubank Jr. - The World Boxing Council (WBC) initially cleared Benn, attributing the positive tests to a "highly-elevated consumption of eggs," an explanation Benn himself later distanced himself from, instead suggesting testing errors. - He has been in a prolonged battle with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC); his provisional suspension was lifted and then reimposed following appeals, before being lifted again in November 2024, making him eligible to fight in the UK. - While facing suspension in the UK, Benn fought twice in the United States, securing decision victories over Rodolfo Orozco in September 2023 and Peter Dobson in February 2024. - The move to Zuffa Boxing ends a 10-year promotional relationship with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, who had guided Benn's career since his professional debut in 2016. - In the announcement of his departure, Benn thanked Hearn and stated he had presented an opportunity he "simply couldn't refuse," even expressing a desire for Hearn to remain a part of his team. - Before the controversy, Benn had signed a multi-fight extension with Matchroom in September 2021, with both parties expressing excitement for his future and a path towards a world title. - Benn's professional record currently stands at 24 wins and 1 loss, with that single defeat coming in a much-discussed bout against rival Chris Eubank Jr. in April 2025, a loss he later avenged by unanimous decision in November 2025.
