Conor Benn Joins Zuffa Boxing
Conor Benn left Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to sign with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, marking a seismic shift in the promotional landscape. The 24-1 British fighter joins cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in Zuffa's growing stable, signaling the UFC president's boxing venture is now capable of poaching top talent from established rivals.
- This move follows a turbulent period for Benn, who was unable to fight in the UK for two years after testing positive for the banned substance clomifene in 2022. He was officially cleared of any intentional wrongdoing by the UK's National Anti-Doping Panel in November 2024. - The departure ends a ten-year relationship with Matchroom Boxing, which had promoted Benn since his professional debut in 2016. Promoter Eddie Hearn stated he was "pretty devastated" by the decision, blaming himself for misjudging Benn's character and relying on loyalty. - According to reports, Benn's contract is a one-fight deal worth eight figures, allowing him a massive payday while preserving his long-term promotional freedom. - Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings (the parent company of UFC and WWE) and Sela, a company owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. - Led by Dana White, the promotion aims to mirror the UFC's business model by establishing its own rankings and championships, forgoing the traditional sanctioning bodies like the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO. - Fellow Zuffa Boxing signee Jai Opetaia is the undefeated IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world champion from Australia, holding a professional record of 29 wins with 23 knockouts.
