Conor Benn has made a shock switch from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotional company to Zuffa Boxing, which is headed up by UFC president Dana White.
The news came out of nowhere on Friday night, as Benn became the second big-name signing to join Zuffa, following cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
Yet the British star’s profile exceeds that of Opetaia, with Benn having captivated and frustrated boxing fans in equal measure in recent years.
Benn, 29, did not compete in Britain for the best part of three years – from April 2022 until April 2025 – due to a drug-test saga in which Matchroom stood by his side.
Benn had failed two drug tests in 2022, thwarting a planned fight with domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr, and the episode rumbled on until the “Destroyer” was ultimately able to box on home soil from late 2024.
His return came against Eubank Jr last April, as Benn was beaten for the first time as a professional. The natural welterweight in fact took on Eubank Jr twice at middleweight, winning their rematch in November. Both fights went the distance.
Now, Benn has made a shocking switch to Zuffa, just days after White launched a scathing tirade at Hearn, whom Benn has said he would “love to continue to be part of my team”.
“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, the son of British boxing great Nigel Benn, said in a statement.
“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.
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“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.”
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