Conor Benn’s signing with Zuffa Boxing in February shocked the boxing world.
His departure from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom was one thing, but signing a multi-million-pound move with Zuffa and Dana White, who have become arguably their biggest rivals, sparked a public war of words.
And Benn, who will face Regis Prograis on Saturday as part of his one-fight contract with Zuffa [Netflix, 7 p.m. in U.K., 2 p.m. in U.S.]he said he did not regret the decision, which divided opinions among fans and the wider boxing community.
So what does this deal mean and what will Benn do after Saturday night?
Why did Conor Benn leave Matchroom?
The low answer is money. While the figure is widely reported to be $15 million, nothing has been publicly disclosed. Benn said what he receives will secure his family’s future for generations, and it’s an opportunity he won’t pass up.
“I can say that my children are prepared for life. I can say that this is life-changing for my children,” Benn told reporters this week.
“I can say this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, no matter all the noise, no matter what.”
No one can complain that a player earns as much as he can. Careers are low, unpredictable and full of risk. However, the way Benn left Hearn was divisive. Matchroom’s boss said he learned of the news through a lawyer’s email.
When he tried to contact Benn for a phone call, Hearn claims the player turned him down.
Benn said this week: “I don’t feel anything for Eddie. You know, I love Eddie. I don’t mind the noise at all or anything that was said. It’s one of those things.”
What was the reaction?
The initial reaction of most was shock and surprise. Apart from Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor, Benn was not only Matchroom’s biggest star, but also someone who many thought would remain with the company for the rest of his career.
“I don’t know what to say. I felt like everything we gave him, the loyalty and support, was enough to talk about it,” Hearn told iFL TV in February.
“But there was really no interest. Very surprising. Very painful, but just another moment in life that you live from and learn from.”
Why did UFC fighters get involved in this fight?
UFC fighters were also a bit nervous and surprised, considering Zuffa and UFC are owned by the same parent company, TKO.
UFC fighter salaries have also been a contentious issue for several years.
Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who signed with Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency in March, said: “I think it bothers everyone. If one guy is making $15 million and the other is making $15,000, that’s a massive difference and that’s one of the reasons I want to consider other options.”
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley said: “It doesn’t mean it’s true, I don’t know, it could be true. I can’t imagine it being true… I don’t even know who Conor Benn is.
“He’s supposedly a pretty massive name in boxing, but I’ve never heard of him. If they actually pay him $15 million… It’s crazy how much work you’ve put into the UFC, you’ve built this name, you’ve created this character, you’re this star… It’s like I wouldn’t fight for a damn $15 million.”
“But it’s also a business, and if they think it’s a good business move and this guy makes money, I understand. Don’t take anything personal in business.”
Why is Benn fighting Regis Prograis?
Benn says Prograis was one of the first ones he was offered, he agreed and a deal was quickly signed.
The 37-year-old has several qualities that make him an attractive opponent for Benn at this stage of his career. It’s a massive name, especially in the US
Prograis, a former two-time junior welterweight champion, has been at the top but is on the way down. He was comprehensively defeated by Devin Haney in 2023 and on his second visit to the UK he lost to Jack Catterall in 2024 when he fell twice.
While this isn’t a give-me fight and Prograis is a skilled operator, Benn is the favorite and is expected to get the job done.
Why does Benn fight at catchweight? Is there a rehydration clause?
Benn and Prograis will meet in the 150-pound catchweight.
Prograis, who has been fighting in the junior welterweight division for many years, believes the agreement is in his favor. Benn’s last two fights, both against Chris Eubank Jr., were at 160 pounds as a middleweight, but before that he was a welterweight (147 pounds).
“After winning Eubank Jr., I ran 10 kilometers almost every day to lose weight,” Benn said.
In the Benn vs. Prograis has no hydration clause, which means there are no limits on how much weight either fighter can gain after Friday’s weigh-in.
Controversially, the Benn and Eubank Jr rematch included a rehydration clause. They were prohibited from gaining more than 10 pounds after the weigh-in.
Will Zuffa promote Benn after Saturday night?
Benn will not sign with any promotional company following the conclusion of the Prograis fight, but he said this week: “I will be a completely free agent. Zuffa is obviously at the helm because they have looked after me so well.
“I am extremely blessed with this opportunity [money]It’s obviously something pretty, but also an opportunity and being able to fight so quickly.”
What does Benn want to do if he defeats Prograis?
Benn’s WBC welterweight title has long been in his sights. This is the belt that was held by his legendary father, Nigel, at super middleweight in the 1990s.
If he can get past Prograis, the door will open for a massive fight with welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.
Benn has made no secret of his desire to fight Garcia, and the fight would be fierce on both sides of the Atlantic. It would also be a great opportunity for Benn to strengthen its position in the US
