One of the biggest stars in world boxing has signed a promotional deal with Dana White’s Zuffa.
Welterweight contender Conor Benn shocked the boxing world on Friday when he announced a shock move to join the newly formed promotion headed by UFC CEO White, Turki Alalshikh and WWE President Nick Khan.
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Benn signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom ahead of his professional debut and remained with them throughout his career, which included a drug scandal that lasted two years after Benn failed two tests for the banned substance ostarine and was eventually cleared because UK Anti-Doping was unhappy with the anti-doping violations he had committed.
Benn just finished two games with Chris Eubank Jr. Although Benn lost the first fight, a front-runner for Fight of the Year in 2025, he fought back in the rematch, scoring two knockouts in the final round and dominating Eubank at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November.
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Zuffa’s signing of Ben was the first real signing, which shows how strong they are in the boxing world. Given the bitter feud between White and Hearn in recent weeks, Zuffa’s signing of Benn would certainly be a painful decision for the latter.
Ben hopes to challenge Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the WBA title or solidify his WBC mandatory status with the winner of Saturday’s welterweight title fight between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia. The British star also mentioned a fight with Shakur Stevenson.
“Connor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,” White said. “He shows up and destroys people every time and some of the best fighters in the world are calling for him right now. He’s ready to be the next world champion and I can’t wait to see him fight in Zuffa. He will be a great addition to a growing roster of talented boxers.”
