British boxer Conor Benn has made a dramatic career move by parting ways with his long-time promoters at Matchroom Boxing and signing with Zuffa Boxing, the new promotional venture backed by UFC president Dana White. The decision marks a significant shift in Benn’s professional journey, as he had been associated with Matchroom ever since turning professional and had developed into one of Britain’s most talked-about fighters under their banner.
At 29, Benn is entering a crucial phase of his career, and the move signals both ambition and a desire to compete on even bigger global stages. His departure comes shortly after a high-profile victory over Chris Eubank Jr in a blockbuster rematch held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November. That win carried added emotional weight, considering Benn had suffered defeat in their first encounter earlier in April. The rivalry itself also carried historic significance due to the long-standing family connection between their fathers, as Benn is the son of former two-weight world champion Nigel Benn, who famously fought Chris Eubank Sr in the early 1990s.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Benn expressed gratitude toward Matchroom and its leadership, particularly promoter Eddie Hearn, for their support over the last decade. He acknowledged that the organisation played a vital role in shaping his career from the moment he stepped into the professional ranks. From early developmental fights to headline appearances at major stadium events, Benn credited the promotional company for standing beside him during both his triumphant and challenging periods.
He highlighted that their support extended beyond the spotlight moments, especially during the controversies that threatened to derail his career. Benn’s originally scheduled bout against Eubank Jr in 2022 was cancelled after he twice tested positive for the banned substance Clomifene during voluntary drug tests. The situation triggered a prolonged and complex dispute with regulatory authorities, lasting nearly two years before his suspension was eventually lifted in November 2024. Throughout that turbulent phase, Matchroom and Hearn remained publicly supportive, which Benn openly recognised in his farewell message.
Despite the loyalty shown by his former promoters, Benn made it clear that he is energised by the opportunities that lie ahead with Zuffa Boxing. The new promotional company, backed by White and significant Saudi Arabian investment, aims to reshape the professional boxing landscape. Its inaugural event took place earlier this year, and the organisation has already made bold declarations about transforming how the sport operates, including ambitions to challenge the dominance of the traditional sanctioning bodies such as the WBO, WBC, IBF, and WBA.
White has openly stated his intention to elevate Zuffa’s championship belts to a level of prestige comparable to, or even surpassing, existing world titles. The broader vision includes creating a more streamlined championship structure that reduces reliance on multiple governing organisations. This strategic direction could have significant implications for fighters like Benn, who is widely regarded as being on the verge of a world-title opportunity following his recent performances.
With a professional record of 24 wins from 25 fights, Benn has steadily built a reputation as an explosive and marketable contender in the welterweight division. His only loss came in his first clash with Eubank Jr, a defeat he avenged emphatically in their rematch. That victory has strengthened his standing and positioned him as a serious challenger for elite honours. Many observers now believe he is approaching the peak years of his career, making the timing of this promotional switch particularly noteworthy.
White did not hold back in praising his new signing, describing Benn as a formidable and exciting fighter capable of delivering thrilling performances. He emphasised that Benn consistently brings intensity and aggression into the ring, qualities that align with Zuffa Boxing’s vision of building a roster filled with high-impact competitors. According to White, Benn’s growing popularity and mainstream appeal make him a valuable addition to the organisation’s expanding stable of talent.
Benn himself reinforced his ambitions by stating that he is seeking legacy-defining bouts, major events, and the biggest stages available in the sport. His mindset reflects a fighter eager to test himself against top opposition without hesitation. He also hinted that his relationship with Hearn could remain intact in some capacity, suggesting that future collaborations are not entirely off the table despite the formal split from Matchroom.
The move has surprised many within the boxing community, largely because it occurred without the usual speculation, rumours, or gradual hints that typically accompany high-profile promotional changes. In most cases, transitions of this magnitude are preceded by statements, negotiations, or public signals from the outgoing promoter. However, Benn’s decision appeared sudden, catching both fans and analysts off guard and adding an extra layer of intrigue to the announcement.
From a strategic perspective, securing Benn represents a major statement of intent from Zuffa Boxing. White has long spoken about disrupting boxing’s traditional power structure, and signing a fighter with genuine commercial appeal reinforces that ambition. While Benn still has critics who question certain aspects of his career, there is little doubt that he commands attention and generates significant interest whenever he fights.
Before the switch, Hearn had been actively steering Benn toward a world-title opportunity. Benn is currently considered the mandatory challenger for the winner of a potential clash between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia, making his next steps particularly significant. However, Zuffa’s long-term goal of establishing its own championship hierarchy could reshape the trajectory of Benn’s title ambitions. Instead of pursuing belts under existing sanctioning bodies, he may now target becoming one of the first major champions under the Zuffa banner.
The promotional rivalry between Hearn and White has also intensified in recent weeks, adding a layer of drama to the situation. Public exchanges between the two figures have highlighted tensions over influence and credibility within the sport. White previously made remarks questioning Hearn’s standing, while Hearn responded by referencing the financial backing behind Zuffa’s operations. This back-and-forth has only amplified media attention surrounding Benn’s signing and the broader battle for influence in modern boxing.
From a public relations standpoint, the acquisition of Benn is a significant win for Zuffa Boxing. Bringing in a high-profile British fighter who headlines major events instantly enhances the company’s visibility and legitimacy within the sport. It also signals to other fighters that Zuffa is serious about attracting top-tier talent capable of drawing global audiences.
For Benn, the move represents both risk and opportunity. Aligning with a new promotional model could open doors to mega-fights and innovative events, but it may also mean navigating a less traditional route to recognised world titles. Much will depend on how Zuffa’s championship structure evolves and whether it gains widespread acceptance within the boxing world.
Nevertheless, Benn’s confidence remains unwavering. He has consistently projected fearlessness about facing any opponent, regardless of weight or reputation, and his recent statements suggest that mindset has not changed. His focus now appears to be on securing high-profile fights that cement his legacy and elevate his status among the sport’s elite.
Ultimately, this unexpected promotional switch has injected fresh intrigue into the boxing landscape. It strengthens Zuffa Boxing’s growing influence, intensifies rivalries among promoters, and raises compelling questions about the future direction of championship boxing. For Benn, the next chapter promises bigger stages, heightened expectations, and the opportunity to prove that he belongs among the very best fighters of his generation.
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