Vinny's Corner

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, British welterweight star Conor Benn has signed a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, the upstart promotion backed by UFC CEO Dana White. The announcement, made on February 20, 2026, marks a significant departure from Benn’s long-standing relationship with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, where he has been promoted since turning professional in 2016.

Benn, the son of former two-division world champion Nigel Benn, boasts an impressive record of 24-1 with 14 knockouts. The 29-year-old from Essex, England, is coming off a dominant victory over rival Chris Eubank Jr. in a middleweight clash last November, showcasing his power and skill against one of boxing’s notable names. His move to Zuffa comes as the promotion continues to build its roster, following the recent signing of IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

Details of the contract reveal it to be a one-fight, eight-figure deal—meaning Benn will earn at least $10 million for his next bout. According to reports, this “life-changing” agreement allows Benn to become a free agent after the fight, giving him flexibility for future opportunities. While the opponent and date for this debut under Zuffa have yet to be announced, expectations are high for a high-profile matchup, potentially positioning Benn for a world title shot in the welterweight division.

The signing represents a major coup for Zuffa Boxing, which launched its first events just last month and is spearheaded by White alongside Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh and WWE President Nick Khan. For Hearn and Matchroom, it’s a substantial blow, especially coming days after DAZN extended its partnership with the promoter. Benn expressed gratitude to his former team in a statement, saying, “It’s been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined… but Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.”

This development escalates the rivalry between White and traditional boxing promoters like Hearn, as Zuffa aims to disrupt the sport with big-money deals and star power. Fans can expect more fireworks as Benn steps into this new chapter of his career.

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Zuffa Boxing