Eddie Hearn Claims UFC Fighters Are Fuming Over Dana White Offering $15 Million to Conor Benn

Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White's Zuffa Boxing signing Conor Benn, who could earn up to $15 million for his next fight.

Eddie Hearn Claims UFC Fighters Are Fuming Over Dana White Offering $15 Million to Conor Benn

Eddie Hearn believes UFC fighters should feel bad after Dana White's latest boxing signings (via X)

In Short
  • Eddie Hearn claims UFC fighters are unhappy with Dana White's $15 million deal for Conor Benn.
  • Hearn suggests the disparity in pay between boxing and UFC could lead to a revolt among UFC fighters.
  • Conor Benn's departure from Hearn's Matchroom Boxing is seen as a significant betrayal in the boxing community.

The rivalry between Eddie Hearn and Dana White intensified after the UFC boss launched Zuffa Boxing, shaking the boxing landscape. Hearn openly mocked White’s promotional ideas and ridiculed him for aligning with his so-called ‘new daddy’, Turki Alalshikh, publicly. White responded emphatically by announcing the signing of Conor Benn to an eight-figure deal under Zuffa Boxing.

Conor Benn had worked closely with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for years before publicly announcing his departure. According to reports, Benn is set to earn around whopping $10-15 million for his debut under Zuffa Boxing. Hearn addressed the massive signing bonus and suggested it could make top UFC fighters question White’s longstanding pay structure policies.

They’re sick as a dog. If you are a UFC fighter and you are looking at Zuffa going, ‘I’m being absolutely ripped off here. I’m generating more than those guys.’ Listen, there’s no loyalty. Look at Aspinall, he gets his eyes gouged out and gets humiliated by UFC. Basically told everyone he’s a liar. 

Eddie Hearn via Charlie Parsons

Tom Aspinall recently underwent a second surgery and expressed frustration over mounting criticism and pressure from UFC top brass. Rumors suggested the heavyweight champion was even asked to vacate his belt, highlighting tensions within the organization’s fighter relationships. The ongoing disparity between boxing purses and UFC salaries has remained significant, fueling debates about financial fairness.

After the promotion’s new deal with Paramount Global, rumors circulated about improved compensation structures benefiting roster fighters across divisions. However, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje stated he had not received additional financial benefits under the agreement. More recently, Sean Strickland accused the UFC of maintaining predatory and unfair practices regarding fighter compensation policies.

Previously, Eddie Hearn suggested UFC fighters could revolt after recognizing stark pay differences compared to Zuffa Boxing athletes. For now, Dana White appears to have won a small battle, and publicly mocked Hearn after signing Conor Benn.

Eddie Hearn talks about being devastated after losing Conor Benn

Eddie Hearn played a huge role in helping Conor Benn from an amateur prospect to professional contender under the Matchroom Boxing banner. Hearn consistently secured strategic fights for Benn, carefully building his profile and helping him grow into a recognized name. When Benn faced a damaging drug controversy, Hearn publicly backed him and continued supporting his career throughout.

Eddie Hearn and Conor Benn
Eddie Hearn and Conor Benn (via X)

Despite criticism and scrutiny, the British promoter defended Benn repeatedly, insisting on his belief in the fighter’s integrity. That unwavering support strengthened their bond before Benn ultimately decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere professionally. Hearn was left devastated and felt he misjudged Benn’s character and revealed his feelings towards the recent developments.

You always have to do what you feel is right at the time. I believed Conor Benn at that time and I back my fighters and I stand by their side if I believe it’s right. But it was the hardest moment of my career by a mile. I guess there will always be part of me that thinks, was it worth taking a piece of my soul for that. But you have to do what you think is right at the time.

Eddie Hearn via Boxing Scene

Several boxing insiders expressed disbelief, describing Benn leaving Eddie Hearn as one of the biggest betrayals in modern boxing history. Promoters, former champions, and experts argued the split marked a dramatic collapse of loyalty within Matchroom Boxing ranks. 

Benn’s longtime rival, Chris Eubank Jr., quickly mocked both men, ridiculing their partnership and public fallout across social media platforms. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see who Benn fights in his debut under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

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