Conor Benn’s Zuffa switch: Money difference behind Matchroom exit

Benn failed a voluntary drugs test – twice testing positive for the banned substance Clomifene in 2022 – and, following a two-year battle with authorities, his provisional suspension was lifted in November 2024.

He has since fought Chris Eubank Jr in two blockbuster bouts – losing the first fight but winning the second – and he said his recent experiences had played a part in his decision.

“Any fight could be your last fight,” said Benn. “And, after the three years I’ve had, I promised myself I would never be in a position again where I have to feel the way I felt.

“It all fell on me. No-one paid my legal bills. He [Hearn] didn’t lend me a cent. I paid the legal bills 100% myself.

“That three years taught me what I know now. No-one’s there to cover me or my family – I am.”

Benn has won 24 of his 25 professional bouts, with his only loss coming in the first fight against Eubank Jr.

He acknowledges he “wouldn’t be around today without Matchroom and what they’ve done and guided me”.

“Of course I’ve spoken to him [Hearn],” Benn told BBC Sport. “It is what it is, it’s business and that’s all it is.

“I’ll always have a friendship with Eddie. Whether he reciprocates that or not is entirely up to him.

“I’m not in this sport to make enemies. I’m here to do the best by my family and give my family the best life possible.

“Also, I’m excited about this journey in my career. It’s a new chapter.

“I’m paying in blood. This is violent money. This isn’t easy, so I’ve made the right decision.”

Zuffa Boxing is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.

White’s ultimate aim is to sideline the four traditional sanctioning bodies – the WBO, WBC, IBF and WBA – and make Zuffa’s belt the premier world title alongside the Ring Magazine title, an organisation owned by Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.

Benn said his move was “a quick turnaround” and after the one-fight deal he will be a free agent.

“I can do my own, go to Matchroom or stay with Zuffa. It’s very short-sighted, the approach,” he said, while admitting a one-fight deal is not normal.

“But the big noise that it made, it was worth it,” added Benn, who described White as a “very good guy” who “wants to make a big move into boxing”.