UFC Owners Defend Zuffa Boxing's $15M Benn Deal
UFC owners have responded to fighter criticisms over Zuffa Boxing's reported $15 million signing of British boxer Conor Benn, emphasizing the business rationale and distinct economics between boxing and MMA. The deal has sparked debate about pay disparity between top boxers and mixed martial artists, reflecting ongoing conversations about fighter compensation across combat sports.
- The deal is for a single "super fight" in 2026, not a long-term promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. TKO President Mark Shapiro clarified that the funding for the fight comes from Sela, the Saudi Arabian partner in the Zuffa Boxing joint venture, not directly from TKO's funds. - The signing poached Benn from Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn, a key rival of UFC CEO Dana White. Hearn had promoted Benn for most of his career and financially supported him through a recent doping controversy. - Top UFC fighters have publicly questioned the deal, with former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley stating, "I don't even know who Conor Benn is... I'm not making f---ing $15 million to fight," despite having double Benn's social media following. - Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson described the signing as a "flex move by Dana White" aimed at rival boxing promoters rather than a sign of improved pay structure for combat sports athletes. - Conor Benn is the son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn and is a controversial figure in the sport. In 2022, he twice tested positive for the banned substance clomifene, forcing the cancellation of a major fight against Chris Eubank Jr. - After a two-year battle, the UK's National Anti-Doping Panel cleared Benn in November 2024, stating it was "not comfortably satisfied" that a doping violation had occurred, which has allowed him to resume his career in the UK. - The controversy highlights a significant compensation gap, as internal UFC documents show fighters receive 16-20% of event revenue, while boxers often receive 60-70% due to a more competitive market and protections from the Muhammad Ali Act.
