Dana White Steals Boxing Rival Eddie Hearn’s Star Fighter Conor Benn with Massive Deal

The rivalry between Dana White and Eddie Hearn continues as the UFC boss signs Conor Benn for his Zuffa Boxing venture.

Dana White Steals Boxing Rival Eddie Hearn’s Star Fighter Conor Benn with Massive Deal

Dana White signs Conor Benn from Eddie Hearn's promotion (Image via The Daily Beast/X)

In Short
  • Dana White has signed British boxer Conor Benn to a multi-million dollar deal with Zuffa Boxing.
  • The signing has strained White's relationship with promoter Eddie Hearn, who previously managed Benn.
  • Hearn expressed shock at Benn's decision, citing loyalty issues after supporting him through a career setback.

Dana White’s entry as a promoter in the professional boxing world has attracted much controversy. His vision of bringing a UFC-style format to boxing in both setting structure and pay structure remained unappealing to many. Moreover, his entry into the sport has strained his relationship with British promoter Eddie Hearn as well. 

Hearn and White has gone back-and-forth in recent times, criticizing each other constantly. It is a complete U-turn from what their friendship was from the years prior. In his latest critique, Hearn stated that White was working for a new ‘Daddy’ as Turki Alalshikh was the one who called the shot for the UFC boss’s boxing venture. 

It appears that Dana White decided to fire back with his action rather than with words. His promotion, Zuffa Boxing, has announced the signing of British boxer Conor Benn in a major multi-million dollar deal. The contract for a single bout could reportedly earn Benn as much as $10 million. The British boxer was a star talent of Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

Conor Benn had a memorable 2025 as his first bout against Chris Eubank Jr saw him lose a unanimous decision in a ‘Fight of the Year’ contest. The back-and-forth war saw the controversial Eubank Jr and Benn trade shots back-and-forth, but the former landed more shots at 31 punches per round to edge out a UD victory.

However, things changed massively in the rematch for the duo. Some fans even questioned the need for a rematch as Benn was noticeably smaller than Eubank Jr, which played a part in his loss. Eubank Jr was the betting favorite at -150, but struggled to find the same success against Benn.

This time, the son of Nigel Benn came out more aggressive and poured all the pressure on his opponent. In the final round, the 29-year-old Benn dropped Eubank Jr twice to secure revenge and close out their rivalry. Signing Benn at the top of his power is surely a big move for Dana White’s promotion.

This will surely agitate Eddie Hearn who has promoted the British boxer for a long time. Meanwhile, the UFC boss has made it clear that he intends to improve boxing, and it remains to be seen what he intends to do with Benn that could further push the British talent to superstardom.

Eddie Hearn was stunned by Conor Benn’s decision to sign with Dana White

Chasing money rather than sticking up for loyalty remains the theme in major sports across the world. There is nothing wrong with chasing money, especially in combat sports as the damage eventually pile up to cause major CTE-related problems for the fighters. As such, fans always welcome fighters earning a major pay-day. However, the same cannot be said for the promoters who promote these fighters.

Eddie Hearn calls out Dana White
Eddie Hearn stunned by Dana White signing Conor Benn (via Sports Pro, Matchroom Boxing)

Such was the case with Conor Benn’s decision to sign with a major rival of his long-time promoter in Eddie Hearn. Benn was given his boxing debut under Hearn’s banner and signed a major deal with Matchroom Boxing back in 2021. In 2023, a tragedy struck as Benn failed a drug test and his career was almost over. Hearn supported him throughout and fought hard to get Benn his boxing license back.

Fast-forward to 2026, the British boxer chose to sign a lucrative deal with Dana White rather choosing loyalty and staying with the man who always had his back. Not long after the announcement, Matchroom Boxing CEO admitted that he may have misjudged the situation.

I blame myself, because I just forgot it was boxing, you know? I was like… I just felt that the loyalty that we’ve shown would never, ever put us in this position. Like I said, I blame myself. I made a mistake, because I misjudged the character. And again, I’m not gonna hang him out to dry, and he will say, ‘Well, it was a big offer.’ But when I received the email from his lawyer, I texted him and said, ‘I think we should have a call. I think, for everything I’ve done for you, I think I deserve a call.’ And he said no.

Eddie Hearn via IFL TV

Since it is a one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, one cannot certainly rule out the possibility of Benn and Hearn working together in the future as well. It is common for boxers to work with promoters even after they choose not to re-sign with them. However, from Hearn’s comments about loyalty, maybe the ship for reconciliation has already sailed.

Also Read: