Eddie Hearn ‘devastated’ to lose Conor Benn to Dana White and Zuffa Boxing: ‘I blame myself’
MMA Fighting
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Eddie Hearn, the renowned boxing promoter, expressed his devastation after losing Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing, a move that came as a shock given their long-standing professional relationship. Hearn admitted he felt responsible for not securing a new contract with Benn earlier, despite having supported him throughout his career. The signing marks a significant blow to Matchroom Boxing and further intensifies the rivalry between Hearn and Dana White, head of Zuffa Boxing.
Benn, a key figure in Matchroom Boxing for nearly a decade, cited a "big offer" as the reason for leaving. Although he acknowledged Hearn's support, he ultimately chose financial incentives over loyalty. Hearn emphasized that while he respects Benn's decision, the manner in which it was handled left him feeling betrayed. He received an email from Benn's lawyer about the move days before it was publicly announced, and his subsequent attempt to communicate with Benn went unanswered.
The fallout between Hearn and White has been a growing point of contention in the boxing world, with this signing seen as a strategic move in their promotional rivalry. Hearn hinted that Benn might have been used as a pawn in this broader conflict but stressed that the decision was ultimately Benn's own. Matchroom had reportedly offered a significant deal to retain Benn, but it fell short of Zuffa's lucrative proposal.
This situation highlights the competitive nature of the boxing promotions landscape and the challenges promoters face in retaining top talent. For fans of both Hearn and White, the signing underscores the high stakes involved in such rivalries. While Hearn remains open to future collaboration with Benn, he has clearly been left wounded by the turn of events, underscoring how even the strongest professional relationships can be tested by ambition and opportunity.
For readers interested in sports and boxing, this story offers insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of fighter negotiations and promoter rivalries. It also raises questions about loyalty versus financial gain in a highly competitive industry, making it a compelling narrative for fans and业内人士 alike.
Verticals
sportsmma
Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/21/2026