In a move that has sent ripples through the boxing world, British star Conor Benn has officially signed a one-fight, eight-figure deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, ending a decade-long partnership with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The announcement, made on Friday, February 20, 2026, marks a seismic shift in Benn’s career and signals Zuffa Boxing’s intent to disrupt the traditional powerhouses of the sport.
Benn, 29, has long been one of the most electrifying welterweights in the fight game. His journey with Matchroom began in 2016, and over the past ten years, he’s evolved from a promising prospect into a bona fide headliner. His record stands at 24-1 with 14 knockouts, a testament to both his punching power and resilience in the ring. The only blemish on his record—a loss to Chris Eubank Jr. in April 2025—was avenged in emphatic fashion just seven months later, when Benn dominated Eubank in their November rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, knocking him down in the 12th round en route to a wide unanimous decision.
Reflecting on his time with Matchroom, Benn released a heartfelt statement: “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. 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.”
Benn’s gratitude toward Hearn is particularly notable given the turbulence he faced in 2022, when a pair of positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs led to his suspension and the cancellation of his highly anticipated bout with Eubank Jr. Hearn’s steadfast support during Benn’s regulatory battles—culminating in Benn’s exoneration in 2024 over a case of contaminated eggs—won him considerable respect among fans and insiders alike. Yet, the boxing world can be as ruthless outside the ropes as in, and not everyone was pleased with Benn’s decision to jump ship. Social media lit up with reactions, some fans labeling the move “disloyal” or even calling Benn “the biggest Judas move.”
The timing of Benn’s switch is as intriguing as the move itself. Just a day prior, Eddie Hearn had fired back at Dana White’s public criticisms, fueling rumors of a growing feud between two of the sport’s most recognizable promoters. White, the face of UFC and now the ambitious force behind Zuffa Boxing, was effusive in his praise: “Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar. 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’s debut under the Zuffa banner is slated for April or May 2026 in the United Kingdom, with the event to be broadcast on Paramount+ in the United States. A UK broadcast partner is expected to be announced soon. The deal is reportedly for one fight, but the eight-figure payday is described as “life-changing money” by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. With the contract structured to allow Benn to hit free agency after the bout, the stakes for his next performance couldn’t be higher.
Speculation is swirling about who will stand across the ring from Benn in his Zuffa debut. While he’s been linked to marquee names like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Shakur Stevenson, the move to Zuffa may complicate those matchups. Instead, insiders believe Benn’s next outing could be for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing Middleweight World Championship belt, with Zuffa’s first event already featuring a trio of middleweight showcases. Benn himself has made no secret of his ambitions: “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.”
Adding further intrigue, Benn has been confirmed as the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, currently held by Mario Barrios, who is set to defend against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas on February 21. Benn told Sky Sports, “Listen, I said I would be WBC champion, it was always the dream, so to be within touching distance and be made mandatory for the WBC world title, I’ll be there ringside and I want the winner. No doubt it will be Garcia. Garcia vs Benn—I like the sound of that.”
The rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr. appears to have finally run its course, with both fighters expressing a desire to move on to new challenges. Their two bouts in 2025—each staged before a sold-out crowd of 67,484 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—rekindled memories of their fathers’ legendary clashes in the 1990s. Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. forged a fierce rivalry that defined an era, and both will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this June. For Conor Benn, stepping out from his father’s shadow and forging his own legacy is clearly front of mind.
Zuffa Boxing’s aggressive recruitment drive is reshaping the landscape. Benn is now the second major signing after lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, signaling that Dana White’s ambitions in boxing are anything but modest. As the promotion builds its roster, fans are left to wonder: will Zuffa’s brand of showmanship and matchmaking upend the old guard, or will it face the same hurdles that have stymied so many before?
For now, all eyes are on Conor Benn. Will his gamble pay off, or will the pressure of a new stage and sky-high expectations prove too much? With a blockbuster debut looming and the promise of legacy-defining fights within reach, Benn stands at the crossroads of boxing history—ready, as he says, to give the fans the nights they’ve been calling for.
As the spring date approaches, anticipation is building. Benn’s next chapter is set to unfold on one of the sport’s grandest stages, and the boxing world waits with bated breath to see if “The Destroyer” can seize his moment under the Zuffa spotlight.