Dana White Announces Blockbuster Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn Bout for September

UFC CEO and Zuffa Boxing head Dana White finally reveals the date for the superfight between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia.

Dana White Announces Blockbuster Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn Bout for September

Dana White reveals Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn (via Bad Left Hook, DAZN)

Dana White has made significant moves in boxing through Zuffa Boxing, aiming to modernize the sport with a streamlined promotional structure. The UFC CEO wants to move away from boxing’s fragmented traditional system while delivering marquee events. White’s latest announcement confirmed a September 12 showdown between Zuffa Boxing star Conor Benn and Oscar De La Hoya‘s poster by Ryan Garcia.

Garcia earned the WBC welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios, scoring an opening-round knockdown before controlling the fight to win. Benn also enters with momentum after a unanimous decision over former champion Regis Prograis in his Zuffa Boxing debut. The British contender outworked Prograis across ten rounds, securing identical 98-92 scorecards from all judges.

Rumors of a Garcia and Benn fight had circulated for months as negotiations continued between both camps. White officially announced the matchup on Instagram after Turki Alalshikh helped finalize the deal between Zuffa Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions. Garcia will defend his WBC welterweight title against Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas during Mexican Independence Weekend.

Garcia had confirmed the fight weeks before the official announcement during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The WBC welterweight champion revealed his next bout against Benn was set for September 12. White later made the long-anticipated matchup official.

Benn initially signed a one-fight agreement with Zuffa Boxing worth a reported $15 million for his clash against Prograis. Following that successful debut, both sides converted the arrangement into a multi-fight deal. The Garcia showdown will now headline Benn’s second appearance under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

De La Hoya and White have developed a rivalry due to their different visions for boxing’s future. De La Hoya has criticized White and Turki Alalshikh’s boxing partnership while questioning their approach. The Garcia vs. Benn event brings both promoters together despite their ongoing disagreements.

Further tension between De La Hoya and White could continue due to their differing stances on the Muhammad Ali Act. De La Hoya has opposed the act’s expansion, while White has backed changes to boxing’s current structure. Their disagreements persist despite their collaboration on Garcia vs. Benn.

The September 12th showdown will reveal whether the British contender can overcome the 27-year-old WBC welterweight champion or if Garcia can maintain his momentum. The bout also marks a significant moment for Dana White and Zuffa Boxing as they continue expanding their presence in the sport.

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Dana White shares surprising details about Meta AI salaries

Dana White has built a close relationship with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has become a major supporter of the UFC and combat sports. Zuckerberg has attended UFC events and trained in BJJ, highlighting his passion for martial arts. His connection with White has grown through shared interests.

White joined Meta’s board of directors in January 2025, expanding his role beyond combat sports and business. The UFC CEO became one of the company’s newest board members, strengthening his relationship with Meta. The appointment reflected White’s growing influence across multiple industries.

Dana White talks Zuffa Boxing
Dana White (via Sports Illustrated)

White has increasingly embraced artificial intelligence across UFC operations despite criticism from fans. The UFC boss defended the promotion’s AI-generated Freedom 250 promotional content and backed its growing role. White reinforced that stance by highlighting the reported salaries of Meta AI employees.

So Meta AI. I’m on the board for Meta. Zuckerberg who is a brilliant gangster. These people who try to talk about him and everything else, I’m so blown away and impressed by this guy. He’s an animal and putting all the chips in on AI. We just hired 10 kids that are aged 22 to 28. The average salary is like $65 million that these kids are making that are coming in working on AI. You hear a lot of negativity about AI. There’s way more positives about AI than negative.

Dana White via Rodeo Time #305

Dana White’s support for Meta has also expanded as the company’s partnership with the UFC grows. The UFC Apex has been renamed the Meta Apex, while the promotion also introduced Meta AI-powered fighter rankings. Those initiatives further highlight White’s commitment to integrating AI across the UFC.

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