The boxing world was left reeling on Friday as British star Conor Benn made headlines with a seismic career move: after a decade-long partnership with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Benn has signed a lucrative one-fight deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. The deal, reportedly worth eight figures, will see Benn headline an event in the United Kingdom this coming April or May, with American fans able to tune in via Paramount+ and UK broadcast details to be announced soon.
It’s a stunning end to one of British boxing’s most enduring promoter-fighter relationships. Benn, now 29, has grown from a promising prospect into a bona fide superstar under Hearn’s guidance. Since turning professional in 2016, Benn’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, culminating in sold-out stadium shows and a headline-grabbing rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr. But as the boxing landscape shifts, so too do its allegiances, and Benn’s jump to Zuffa Boxing signals a new era for both fighter and promoter alike.
"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 in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter). "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 poignant considering the tumultuous moments they weathered together. In 2022, Benn’s career was rocked by two positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs, resulting in the cancellation of a highly anticipated bout with Eubank Jr. just days before fight night. While the British boxing authorities suspended Benn, Hearn and Matchroom stood by their man. Ultimately, Benn was cleared in 2024 after it was determined the results stemmed from contaminated eggs. The episode left scars, but also cemented the loyalty between fighter and promoter—at least until now.
Fans have not been shy about voicing their opinions on Benn’s departure. Social media exploded with both support and criticism. Some called the move disloyal, referencing Hearn’s unwavering backing during Benn’s darkest days. Comments ranged from "biggest Judas move" to "absolute scumbag rat," underscoring just how personal the world of boxing can be. Others, however, saw the switch as a pragmatic step for a fighter in his prime, eager to seize new opportunities and, perhaps, chase even bigger paydays.
For Benn, the timing could hardly be better. After being cleared by British regulators to fight at home, he returned to the ring in April 2025 for a grudge match against Eubank Jr. at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The bout, waged before a raucous crowd of 67,484, was an instant classic—so much so that it was widely hailed as the fight of the year. Although Benn lost a unanimous decision, he wasted no time in activating a rematch clause. Seven months later, in November 2025, the two rivals met again at the same venue. This time, Benn left no doubt, dominating Eubank Jr. and scoring a knockdown in the 12th round en route to a wide unanimous decision victory. With the rivalry locked at 1-1, both fighters expressed a desire to move on, closing the book on a family feud that had its roots in their fathers’ legendary battles of the 1990s.
"I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing," Benn continued in his statement. "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 move also comes against the backdrop of a very public feud between Eddie Hearn and Dana White. Just a day before Benn’s announcement, Hearn had responded to White’s criticisms, which included jabs about Hearn working for his father and dismissing Zuffa Boxing’s shows as "absolute complete dogsh*t." Hearn retorted, "I was just quite surprised by the nature of what he said, which was ultimately: ‘Eddie Hearn works for his dad.’ That’s kind of what I’ve had my whole career, when they get really flustered and they’re a bit fed, to be honest with you. I wasn’t expecting him to be so fed and flustered so early. When he says I work for my dad, I suppose so, but his dad for many years has been the Fertitta brothers, and now he’s got a new daddy called Turki Alalshikh." As of this writing, Hearn has not publicly addressed Benn’s departure.
For Zuffa Boxing, Benn’s signature is a major coup. The upstart promotion recently landed lineal and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, and now adds a British star with crossover appeal and a hunger for world titles. Promoter Dana White was effusive: "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."
Speculation is already swirling about Benn’s next opponent. He’s been linked to high-profile names like Terence Crawford and Jaron Ennis, and has publicly called out Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. However, with Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event featuring three middleweight bouts, insiders suggest Benn could soon fight for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing Middleweight World Championship belt. Meanwhile, Benn has been confirmed as the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, currently held by Mario Barrios, who faces Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas on February 21. Benn has made it clear he’s ready to face the winner. "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."
With a record of 24-1 (14 KOs), Benn enters this new phase of his career at the very peak of his powers. The one-fight, eight-figure deal is reportedly life-changing, giving him the flexibility to test free agency after his next bout. As Zuffa Boxing continues to shake up the sport with bold signings and ambitious plans, all eyes are now on Conor Benn—whose next move could redefine the boxing landscape in 2026 and beyond.
The boxing world waits with bated breath to see who will step into the ring with Benn next spring. One thing’s certain: Conor Benn’s journey is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be his most electrifying yet.