London – The boxing world is abuzz following Conor Benn’s unexpected move to Zuffa Boxing, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from his former promoter, Eddie Hearn. Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Boxing, has voiced concerns about Benn’s future, suggesting the young fighter is entering a more ruthless environment and warning him about the potential pitfalls of aligning with the organization behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The shift marks a significant change for Benn, who previously enjoyed a close working relationship with Hearn, even through a challenging period involving a doping suspension.
The move comes as a surprise to many within the sport, particularly given Hearn’s staunch support of Benn during and after the controversy surrounding adverse findings in drug tests. Hearn has publicly stated his disappointment, framing the situation as a personal blow and questioning Benn’s loyalty. This transition also follows Benn’s recent victory over Chris Eubank Jr. In a highly anticipated rematch in November 2025, a fight that further elevated his profile despite the lingering questions surrounding his past.
Benn’s Departure and Hearn’s Reaction
Conor Benn’s signing with Zuffa Boxing, announced on February 21, 2026, represents a bold new direction for the 27-year-old boxer. Benn expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating he seeks “legacy fights” and “the biggest stages” under Zuffa’s banner, according to reports from Yahoo Sports. This ambition signals a desire to compete against top-tier opponents and solidify his place in boxing history.
However, Hearn has been vocal in his criticism, not only of Benn’s decision but also of Zuffa Boxing’s approach to fighters. He described the loss of Benn as “painful” and accused himself of misjudging Benn’s character, stating he had mistakenly believed loyalty would prevent this outcome. Hearn’s comments, widely reported by SI.com and Talksport , highlight a perceived shift in priorities within the boxing world, with fighters increasingly drawn to organizations offering greater financial incentives and promotional reach.
Hearn’s frustration stems from his belief that he stood by Benn during a tough period, helping him navigate the fallout from the doping allegations. The British Boxing Board of Control initially suspended Benn in April 2023 after reports of positive drug tests, but the suspension was eventually lifted in November 2024, allowing him to resume his career. Hearn feels that this support was not reciprocated, leading to his scathing remarks about Benn’s “loyalty.”
The Aspinall Comparison: A Warning from Hearn
A central element of Hearn’s critique revolves around his comparison of Zuffa Boxing to its parent company, the UFC and specifically, the treatment of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Hearn pointed to an incident where Aspinall suffered a significant eye injury during a fight and alleges that Dana White, the president of the UFC, responded with a dismissive and critical attitude. Hearn characterized White’s reaction as “humiliating,” suggesting that Zuffa prioritizes business interests over the well-being of its fighters.
According to Hearn, White “basically called him a cry baby and cast him aside, humiliated him in front of everybody, while the guy is having operations to save his eyesight.” This anecdote, as reported by multiple sources, serves as a cautionary tale for Benn, implying that he may face similar treatment if he encounters setbacks or injuries under Zuffa’s management. Hearn emphasized that White’s approach differs significantly from his own, stating, “Dana White wouldn’t do what I did for Conor Benn. But we’re different people, and we have a different passion for the sport.”
The incident involving Aspinall, which occurred during UFC Fight Night 226 in London on March 18, 2023, saw the heavyweight champion suffer a torn MCL and ACL after an accidental knee to the head from Sergei Pavlovich. While reports indicate Aspinall underwent surgery and is currently recovering, Hearn uses the situation to illustrate what he perceives as a lack of empathy and support from Zuffa towards its athletes.
The Eubank Jr. Factor and the Future of Benn
The rivalry between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. Has been a significant storyline in the boxing world, culminating in two highly anticipated fights. Their first encounter, in October 2022, was marred by controversy surrounding Benn’s positive drug tests, leading to its cancellation. The rematch, which finally took place in November 2025, saw Benn emerge victorious, further fueling the animosity between the two fighters.
Eubank Jr. Has been equally critical of both Benn and Hearn following the Zuffa Boxing deal, labeling it “scumbag on scumbag violence” in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). He questioned Benn’s loyalty to Hearn, who he claims supported the fighter through the doping scandal and provided financial assistance. Eubank’s comments underscore the complex relationships and underlying tensions within the boxing community.
With Benn now under the Zuffa Boxing umbrella, the future remains uncertain. The organization, backed by the financial muscle of the UFC, is aiming to disrupt the traditional boxing landscape by offering fighters more lucrative contracts and greater promotional opportunities. However, Hearn’s warnings suggest that this comes at a cost, potentially sacrificing the individual well-being and long-term interests of the athletes. The success of Zuffa Boxing will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and establish itself as a credible force in the world of professional boxing.
Key Takeaways
- Conor Benn has signed with Zuffa Boxing, ending his long-standing relationship with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn.
- Eddie Hearn has expressed disappointment and criticized Benn’s decision, questioning his loyalty and warning him about the potential pitfalls of joining Zuffa.
- Hearn used the example of Tom Aspinall’s injury and subsequent treatment by Dana White to illustrate what he perceives as Zuffa’s prioritization of business over fighter welfare.
- The move follows Benn’s recent victory over Chris Eubank Jr. And his successful navigation of a doping suspension.
- Zuffa Boxing aims to disrupt the traditional boxing landscape, but faces scrutiny regarding its treatment of fighters.
The boxing world will be watching closely to see how Benn’s career unfolds under Zuffa Boxing’s management. The next significant development will likely be the announcement of Benn’s first fight under the new promotional banner, which is expected in the coming months. As Zuffa Boxing continues to establish itself, the industry will be closely monitoring its impact on fighter contracts, promotional strategies, and the overall landscape of professional boxing.
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