British welterweight star Conor Benn has pulled off a surprise promotional switch after agreeing a deal with Zuffa Boxing, the fledgling outfit spearheaded by UFC boss Dana White.

The 29-year-old, son of British legend Nigel Benn, confirmed the agreement on Friday, describing himself as ‘filled with excitement and hunger’ as he embarks on what he framed as a ‘new chapter’ aimed at securing ‘legacy fights’ on the biggest stages. White was equally effusive, branding Benn ‘an absolute beast and a superstar’.

The announcement comes as a shock given Benn’s decade-long relationship with Matchroom Boxing and promoter Eddie Hearn, who guided his professional rise from debutant in 2016 to headline attraction.

Benn went out of his way to thank Hearn and the Matchroom team, acknowledging they stood by him during both the high points and more turbulent periods of his career, while expressing a desire for their partnership to evolve rather than end outright – a stance that hints at the complex dynamics surrounding the deal.

Those turbulent years remain central to Benn’s public narrative. The fighter did not compete in Britain for almost three years after failing two drug tests in 2022, a saga that derailed a highly anticipated domestic showdown with rival Chris Eubank Jr and sparked prolonged debate across the sport.

Matchroom’s continued backing throughout the episode was widely noted, and Benn eventually returned to boxing on home soil in late 2024.

Conor Benn has called time on his professional relationship with his promoter Eddie Hearn
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Conor Benn has called time on his professional relationship with his promoter Eddie Hearn

The son of British legend Nigel Benn will join Dana White's budding outfit Zuffa Boxing
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The son of British legend Nigel Benn will join Dana White’s budding outfit Zuffa Boxing

His comeback culminated in two grudge bouts with Eubank Jr at middleweight – a division above Benn’s natural weight – with the first ending in the Londoner’s maiden professional defeat before he edged the rematch months later, both contests going the distance and further cementing his reputation as a fighter capable of thrilling and frustrating fans in equal measure.

Against that backdrop, Benn’s move to Zuffa appears motivated by both financial and strategic factors.

The decision is particularly striking given Benn has long spoken about his ambition to win the WBC title, a belt steeped in personal significance due to his father’s iconic reign, raising questions over how his new promotional alignment could shape that long-stated career goal.

The deal is understood in boxing circles to be lucrative – reportedly a one-fight agreement worth eight figures – which would leave Benn a free agent again after his promotional debut with Zuffa, potentially explaining his public openness to maintaining ties with Matchroom despite White’s recent criticism of Hearn.

The switch also places Benn at the centre of Zuffa’s early ambitions to attract high-profile names and stage blockbuster events. Among the potential targets generating intrigue is American star Ryan Garcia, whom Benn has long pursued.

Garcia’s own promotional situation remains uncertain amid conflicting claims involving Golden Boy Promotions and founder Oscar De La Hoya. Garcia has suggested his contract with Golden Boy is due to expire on Sunday, while De La Hoya maintains multiple bouts remain on the agreement.

The public back-and-forth, set against Conor Benn’s new deal with Zuffa Boxing, has intensified speculation that a Benn-Garcia showdown could materialise as one of the promotion’s first marquee matchups if the contractual picture clears.

It is understood Zuffa Boxing is planning multiple London events throughout 2026, raising the prospect of Benn and Garcia headlining a blockbuster show after Benn previously claimed the pair could sell out a stadium.

Adding to the intrigue, Benn is expected to be ringside for Garcia’s forthcoming contest against Mario Barrios, raising the prospect of a face-off or promotional moment that could further stoke anticipation around a possible transatlantic showdown.

Benn is eyeing a showdown with Ryan Garcia, who could yet end up in the same stable as him
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Benn is eyeing a showdown with Ryan Garcia, who could yet end up in the same stable as him

‘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’

White in turn called Benn’s signing a ‘huge addition.’

‘Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,’ White said in a statement. ‘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.’