UFC owners respond to fighter criticisms over Zuffa Boxing reportedly paying $15 million for Conor Benn
MMA Fighting
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UFC owners at TKO Group Holdings have clarified that they are not covering the reported $15 million deal for Conor Benn's upcoming boxing fight with Zuffa Boxing. During a quarterly financial call, Mark Shapiro emphasized that SELA, the Saudi Arabia-led entertainment company, is solely responsible for the purse as part of its partnership with Zuffa Boxing. This arrangement mirrors previous high-profile fights like Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, where SELA covered the costs while Zuffa Boxing handled promotion.
Zuffa Boxing operates under a unique financial structure where SELA bears all expenses and pays Zuffa Boxing a fee to organize events. For example, in the Canelo-Crawford fight, which aired on Netflix, SELA absorbed the costs while Zuffa Boxing received a $10 million fee. Similarly, Benn's deal is part of Zuffa's strategy to stage two to four major "superfights" annually, with SELA funding these events.
Shapiro also addressed criticism from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, suggesting that their concerns were exaggerated. He reiterated that Zuffa Boxing's focus remains on its Paramount+ series and occasional marquee events like the Canelo-Crawford fight. Benn's agreement is a one-off deal for a 2026 superfight, likely headline caliber, rather than a regular Zuffa Boxing event.
This situation highlights the evolving business model of Zuffa Boxing, which relies on SELA's financial backing to attract top talent like Conor Benn. While the UFC owners at TKO Group Holdings provide oversight and promotion support, the financial burden falls entirely on SELA, ensuring that fighters like Benn can earn substantial pay without affecting TKO's bottom line.
The deal underscores Zuffa Boxing's ambition to compete in the lucrative boxing market by leveraging high-profile fights and partnerships. For fans of sports entertainment, this means more opportunities to watch elite athletes in marquee matchups, even if it means waiting until 2026 for Benn's next appearance.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/25/2026