Zuffa Boxing Pays $15M for Benn

- Before signing with Zuffa, Conor Benn was at the center of a significant controversy after testing positive for the banned substance clomifene in 2022, forcing the cancellation of a major fight against Chris Eubank Jr. The World Boxing Council (WBC) controversially cleared Benn, suggesting the result could have been due to a "highly-elevated consumption of eggs," a claim Benn himself later distanced himself from. - The deal is reportedly for a single fight, after which Benn can become a free agent. While the initial report was for $15 million, some sources indicate the total value could be as high as $19 million, including a $4 million signing bonus. - Benn's signing is part of a larger strategy for the recently launched Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture between UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, and Sela, an entertainment company backed by Saudi Arabia. The promotion aims to apply the UFC's centralized business model to what it considers a "broken" boxing landscape. - Other notable boxers signed by the upstart promotion include reigning IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and former featherweight world champion Mark Magsayo. - The signing drew immediate reactions from UFC fighters; current bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson both stated they were unfamiliar with Benn prior to the announcement and questioned the pay disparity. - While top boxers can earn significantly more than the highest-paid MMA fighters, the UFC's revenue share with its athletes is between 16-20%, compared to approximately 50% in other major American sports leagues. However, average and entry-level UFC fighters often earn more than their counterparts in boxing. - The move ended Benn's long-standing relationship with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Hearn, who said he had loaned Benn hundreds of thousands of pounds during a two-year suspension, described the departure as a "dagger in the heart."