Tony Bellew has backed Conor Benn to beat Conor McGregor in a boxing ring but insists the fight would not last long, following reports of a potential crossover clash between the pair.
Benn is currently away from boxing after being stopped by Ryan Garcia in the second round of their world title fight last month. His future remains uncertain, though he is expected to return to the ring in 2027.
Bellew's Verdict on a Benn-McGregor Fight
Several boxing figures have suggested Benn and McGregor should meet in a crossover bout, and the 30-year-old appears interested. A fake poster of the fight was shared on social media this week, and Benn responded by posting it with the caption: "Any day of the week."
Former world champion Bellew, speaking to Hard Rock Bet, said: "First of all, everybody will care about it. And then secondly, good on them if it happens, fair play. I don't give Conor McGregor much of a chance in boxing and I give Conor Benn absolutely zero no chance in a cage with Conor McGregor. So whichever discipline it goes to, it's not going to last very long, put it that way."
Why the Fight Could Happen
Bellew added: "They are two exceptional fighters in their own disciplines. Well, Conor's a good fighter, but Conor McGregor is an exceptional fighter in the form of mixed martial arts. But I understand why it could happen. I think the only thing that could be more beneficial than that fighter is the trilogy between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr."
He continued: "I actually think if Conor Benn was to get in the boxing ring with Conor McGregor, I'm not sure how it would go down. I'm not sure how well it be received because Conor is on a bit of a losing, he's seen better days, as has now with Conor Benn, it's a very hard one to get up for that, but as soon as Conor arrives, the torch has been lit."
Contract Hurdles and McGregor's Comeback
Bellew noted McGregor's enduring appeal: "As soon as Conor McGregor opens his mouth, as soon as Conor McGregor shows up, it's a different game, mate. It's a different strategy. He's that big. He's huge, he's so popular. He says polarising things; he says controversial things, and he's a big, big deal. So they don't let anybody try and make Conor McGregor's not a big deal. He's still absolutely huge. The minute he comes back to the UFC, the UFC is the biggest franchise in the world when he's in it. The fact that he's not in it, is damaging it massively, in my opinion."
A clash could be difficult to arrange as both men are under contract with Dana White. McGregor remains signed to the UFC, while Benn is under contract with Zuffa Boxing. A contest may have to wait until next summer to come together.
McGregor's UFC comeback in July ended in defeat after he injured his knee seconds into his meeting with Max Holloway. He later revealed he tore his ACL in the rematch and faces a year out of the cage, but has vowed to return after surgery.
