British welterweight contender Conor Benn has dramatically extended his contentious partnership with Zuffa Boxing, signing a new multi-fight contract that solidifies his future with the promotional outfit. The announcement comes just days after Benn's unanimous points victory over Regis Prograis in a high-stakes 150lb catchweight contest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Shock Departure from Matchroom
The new agreement represents a significant commitment from both parties, following Benn's shocking departure from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing earlier this year. In February, the boxing world was stunned when Benn unexpectedly left the long-established promotion to join Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture between UFC chief executive Dana White and Saudi Arabian sports kingpin Turki Alalshikh.
Lucrative Victory and Immediate Commitment
Despite reportedly securing an enormous £11.19 million payout for his victory over Prograis last weekend, the 29-year-old fighter has wasted no time in committing his future. Benn, son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn, has now moved to 25-1 in his professional career, with his first 25 fights having been under the Matchroom banner where he won 24 contests.
The announcement on Friday confirmed that Benn and Zuffa are now "locked in" for a multi-fight agreement, with intense speculation suggesting his next opponent will be WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. This development will come as little surprise to Benn's former promoter Eddie Hearn, who has been engaged in a public war of words with his ex-fighter since learning of their split via email earlier this year.
Aligned Visions and Mega Fights
In a video posted on Zuffa's official X account, Benn expressed his enthusiasm about the new deal, stating: "Yes guys, I just signed a new multi-fight deal I am very, very excited about. Our visions are aligned, our goal remains the same to get the world title, but more importantly to give people the fights they want. The mega fights. If you guys want it, you guys can get it."
Dana White added his endorsement, confirming: "Conor and I just signed a new deal after his one-fight deal. We're excited to have him. We're ready to put on some big fights." The comments underscore the promotional power behind Zuffa Boxing, which represents a formidable new force in the boxing landscape through its connection to White's UFC empire and Saudi Arabian investment.
Professional Journey and Future Prospects
Benn made his professional debut in April 2016 and has steadily risen through the welterweight ranks. His decision to join Zuffa earlier this year marked one of the most significant promotional moves in recent British boxing history, breaking from the traditional promotional structures that have dominated the sport.
The new multi-fight agreement suggests Zuffa sees Benn as a cornerstone of their boxing expansion, with the potential for major pay-per-view events and championship opportunities on the horizon. As the boxing world continues to adjust to this new promotional landscape, Benn's extended partnership with Zuffa represents a bold statement about the changing dynamics of the sport.
