Who is Conor Benn? British professional boxer signs with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing in a shocking move - All you need to know

Conor Benn is a British professional boxer who has become one of the most talked-about names in the sport after signing with Zuffa Boxing, a new boxing venture backed by UFC president Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh. The move has surprised many fans and insiders, as it signals a major shift in the career of Benn, who departed promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. The decision sent shockwaves through the boxing world - especially in the UK - and, according to White, highlighted how confidently he is outmaneuvering his promotional rivals in the sport.

"Well, I think you saw this week. I am really beating up babies," said White, echoing remarks he had made earlier at the Zuffa Boxing 03 post-fight press conference.



In a shocking incident, Hearn as quoted by ESPN, has revealed he learned about Benn’s decision to sign with Zuffa Boxing via email, after the boxer declined to take his phone call. According to Hearn, the message came not directly from Benn, but from the fighter’s lawyer, making the situation even more surprising.


According to ESPN, Hearn had stood firmly by Benn following a two-year suspension stemming from a positive test for a banned substance in 2022. Benn consistently denied wrongdoing and was ultimately cleared to compete in the UK again in 2024. During that difficult period away from the ring, Hearn said he personally lent Benn 'hundreds of thousands of pounds' to help support him.

Once Benn was reinstated, Hearn resumed promoting him, staging two major stadium bouts last year against Chris Eubank Jr. and positioning Benn for a potential world title opportunity, reported ESPN. Given that history, Hearn admitted the abrupt nature of the split - and the way he found out - came as a major shock.

"Me personally, pretty devastated. It's not often you get shocked, and I blame myself because I forgot it was boxing," Hearn told iFL TV as quoted by ESPN.


Born in 1996, Benn is the son of legendary British boxer Nigel Benn, but he has worked hard to build his own identity in the ring. Known for his explosive speed, aggressive style, and knockout power, Benn quickly rose through the welterweight ranks and became a popular figure among UK boxing fans.

Benn's career, however, has not been without controversy. A planned high-profile fight in 2022 was canceled following failed drug tests, leading to long legal and regulatory battles. Since then, Benn has been focused on rebuilding his reputation and restarting his career at the highest level.

By signing with Zuffa Boxing, Benn is aligning himself with a promotion that aims to shake up traditional boxing, much like the UFC did for mixed martial arts.