Conor Benn joins Zuffa Boxing in pursuit of 'legacy fights' after split from Eddie Hearn
Conor Benn has left Eddie Hearn's Matchroom and signed with zuffa boxing, a move that immediately reshapes his path to a world title fight and fuels fresh rivalry between promoters. The 29-year-old, who holds 24 wins and one loss, arrives at his new promotional home coming off a high-profile rematch win and with public aims for the biggest nights and legacy bouts.
Zuffa Boxing signs Benn: what the move means
By joining Zuffa Boxing, Benn becomes part of a promotional push led by Dana White and backed by Saudi investment that has publicly vowed to change the structure of professional boxing. The company staged its first event in January and has articulated the ambition to elevate its own belt alongside longstanding world titles and the Ring Magazine championship.
Benn framed the decision as an opportunity he could not refuse, saying he wants "legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. " The boxer is positioned for a near-term run at major opposition: he has been confirmed as the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title and has stated a readiness to meet the winner of the Mario Barrios versus Ryan Garcia matchup, a fight scheduled for February 21.
The signing follows Benn's return to the ring with a rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr at a stadium show in November. After that win at middleweight, Benn moved down in weight to pursue the long-term aim of winning a world title. Zuffa Boxing's leadership has publicly praised Benn's performances and labelled him a significant addition to its roster.
Eddie Hearn reacts and what it reveals about loyalties
Eddie Hearn said he misjudged Conor Benn's character after the split, describing the departure as painful and surprising. Hearn reflected on the decade-long partnership that took Benn from his professional debut to headlining stadium shows and said he blamed himself for not locking down a new contract sooner. He also described attempting to open a dialogue after receiving notification of the move but said Benn declined to take that call.
Hearn characterised the loss as more than a business setback, noting the emotional toll of a partnership ending abruptly. The reaction underlines how high-profile signings continue to test traditional promoter-athlete loyalties in a changing commercial landscape for the sport.
Past controversy, current standing and next steps
Benn's career record stands at 24 wins and one loss. His trajectory has included a protracted disciplinary episode: he twice failed a voluntary drugs test for Clomifene, which triggered a two-year dispute with authorities and a suspension that was lifted in November 2024. His post-suspension victory over Eubank Jr has placed him within reach of a world title shot.
With zuffa boxing now managing his campaign, Benn has publicly expressed eagerness to accept top-level matchups at welterweight. The immediate questions are logistical: how the new promoter integrates Benn into its championship roadmap, whether past promoter relationships will play any role going forward, and how quickly Benn's mandatory challenger status will translate into a title opportunity.
Looking ahead
The signing crystallises a clear intent from Benn and his new backers to prioritise marquee matchups and rapid elevation toward a world title. For fans and industry observers, the art of matchmaking, sanctioning negotiations, and the outcome of the Barrios–Garcia fight will be key determinants of Benn's next opponent and timeline. Recent updates indicate plans are in motion, but details on dates, venues and contractual arrangements may evolve.
