Conor Benn is the latest big addition to the growing Zuffa Boxing roster.
Last month, the promotion added a big name in cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. It has now made a surprising move by signing Benn (24-1), one of the best British boxers on the planet, who will now bring his talent to the Zuffa Boxing banner, which is promoted by UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh. The news was announced in a press release Friday.
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“Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” White said in the release. “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, 29, was previously under the Matchroom Boxing banner, which is headed by Eddie Hearn, who has recently been engaged in a heated verbal back-and-forth with White. The move puts a big feather in White’s cap, taking one of Matchroom’s biggest names. In a statement on Instagram, Benn thanked Hearn and Matchroom for guiding his career up to this point, and hopes Hearn will still be a part of his journey.
“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 wrote. “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. I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing. 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.”
Benn’s last fight was a unanimous decision win over Chris Eubank Jr. in November, the rematch of their rivalry and a successful rebound from the lone loss of his professional career, which came by decision against Eubank Jr. last April.
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According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Benn’s deal is a lucrative one-fight, eight-figure deal. He could become a free agent again after his next fight, which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
So far, Zuffa Boxing has completed three events at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The promotion’s fights air on Paramount+, the home of UFC events.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Conor Benn signs with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, leaves Matchroom
