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In something of shocker, British welterweight star Conor Benn has signed with Zuffa Boxing, they announced on Friday.
The deal, however, is for one eight-figure fight that would take place in April or May in the United Kingdom, a source with knowledge of the agreement told Fight Freaks Unite.
“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” Zuffa Boxing promoter Dana Whit said. “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.”
Benn becomes the second high-profile signing for upstart Zuffa Boxing, which recently signed lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. It also means that instead of his next fight being on DAZN it will be on Zuffa Boxing partner Paramount+ in the United States with a U.K. platform to be announced.
It marks Benn’s departure from career-long promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, one of the few people who stood by him through his suspension and long battle with British regulators over two positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs that caused his October 2022 fight with rival Chris Eubank Jr. to be canceled during fight week.
“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.”
Benn (24-1, 14 KOs), 29, had a memorable 2025, after being cleared by British regulators to be relicensed to fight at home following his PED case.
On April 26, Benn, moving up to middleweight, and Eubank finally met and although Benn lost a unanimous decision it was the consensus fight of the year.
It was a dramatic slugfest waged before announced sold-out crowd of 67,484 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London for a fight that continued the famed family rivalry that began with the two memorable early 1990s middleweight and super middleweight world title battles between their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, who will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.
Eubank Jr. and Benn had a contract for an immediate rematch and they met again on Nov. 15, once again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this time Benn dominated. He won a wide unanimous decision culminating when he knocked Eubank down in the 12th round.
That was the final fight on Benn’s contract with Matchroom Boxing.
“I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,” Benn said. “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.”
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Benn photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing