UFC Star Sean O’Malley Questions Reported $15 Million Zuffa Boxing Deal for Conor Benn, Highlighting Combat Sports Pay Disparity.

The financial landscape of combat sports has once again become a focal point, with prominent UFC athlete Sean O’Malley expressing disbelief and concern over reports that British boxing sensation Conor Benn has secured a staggering $15 million, one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing. The reported agreement, which would see Benn depart from Matchroom Boxing, underscores the significant pay discrepancies that continue to define the boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) industries, drawing a sharp contrast to what even established UFC stars can command.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Zuffa Boxing, the boxing arm associated with UFC parent company Zuffa, LLC, has made a substantial move by reportedly signing Conor Benn. This deal, valued at $15 million for a single bout, represents a landmark figure in combat sports, particularly for a boxer who has yet to claim a major world title. The reported signing marks a significant acquisition for Zuffa Boxing and a notable departure for Benn from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing stable.

Sean O’Malley, a former UFC Bantamweight Champion and one of the promotion’s most recognized figures, conveyed his astonishment at the reported figures on his YouTube channel. "For me, it’s so hard to believe," O’Malley stated, acknowledging that while he had heard and been told about the deal, he remained skeptical of its veracity. "I can’t imagine it being true. Zuffa Boxing, they’re paying out… I don’t even know who Conor Benn is! Supposedly, he’s a pretty big name in boxing, but I’ve never f*cking heard of him." O’Malley’s comments reflect a common sentiment among MMA fighters regarding the often-opaque financial dealings in boxing and the perceived disparity in fighter compensation between the two sports.

The core of O’Malley’s reaction stems from the stark difference in how revenue is distributed in boxing versus the UFC. Historically, top-tier boxers have negotiated for a substantial share of event revenue, often commanding upwards of 50-70% of the profits generated from ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and sponsorships. In contrast, UFC fighters collectively receive approximately 20% of the promotion’s overall revenue, a figure that has long been a point of contention among athletes and their representatives. This structural difference means that a boxer like Benn, despite not holding a world title, could potentially earn a sum far exceeding the career earnings of many accomplished UFC fighters, including former champions like O’Malley.

Related News :

• Morning Report | Tony Ferguson boasts in his prime he’d beat Islam Makhachev: ‘Kick your ass’
• MMA Icon Georges St-Pierre Counsels Kamaru Usman on Strategic Career Exit
• UFC 321 Set to Reshape Divisions with Two Title Bouts and High-Stakes Undercard Clashes in Abu Dhabi
• Shifting Tides: UFC 323 Sees Two Champions Dethroned in Unprecedented Night of Upsets
• UFC 325 Rematch Ignites Featherweight Division Controversy as Diego Lopes Dismisses Critics

"If they really paid him $15 million, it’s like — It’s crazy how you put in so much work in the UFC, puts in so much work in the UFC to build this name, create this character, be this star, and I’m not making f*cking $15 million a fight," O’Malley lamented. Despite his personal feelings, O’Malley maintained a pragmatic perspective on the business aspect of the deal. "But, it’s also a business. If they think that’s a good business move and that guy’s going to bring in money, I get it. I don’t take anything personal in business. Business is business."

O’Malley also speculated on potential underlying motivations for such a significant investment by Zuffa Boxing. He suggested that the deal could be partially driven by the competitive nature of UFC President Dana White and his well-documented rivalries with prominent boxing promoters such as Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. "Zuffa Boxing is something that’s taken over from Turki [Alsheikh]," O’Malley noted, referring to Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in major combat sports events. "So, if that’s the case, Turki and Dana are in on this, and Dana really wants to do it because he f*cking hates Oscar De La Hoya, he hates Eddie Hearn, he hates these people. He’s like, ‘Hey, let’s take their biggest star and pay him, even if it’s $15 million.’ I could see it being out of an ego thing." This perspective highlights the strategic and often personal battles that play out between influential figures in the combat sports industry.

Conor Benn, 27, boasts an undefeated professional boxing record of 21 wins, 14 by knockout. Known as "The Destroyer," he is the son of former two-weight world champion Nigel Benn, inheriting a significant following and a reputation for exciting, aggressive fights. His career, however, has recently been overshadowed by controversy. In October 2022, Benn tested positive for clomiphene, a banned substance, leading to the cancellation of a highly anticipated fight against Chris Eubank Jr. and a subsequent suspension. While he was later cleared by the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) agency, the incident sparked widespread debate within the boxing community. Securing a $15 million deal following such a period of controversy adds another layer of intrigue to Zuffa Boxing’s strategic play.

The reported Zuffa Boxing deal for Benn arrives amidst a dynamic period for combat sports. The broader landscape continues to see major announcements and shifts, often reflecting the ongoing tug-of-war for talent and audience attention.
In related news from the mixed martial arts world, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor recently vented frustration regarding ongoing UFC negotiations, with a deleted tweet hinting at potential roadblocks in his highly anticipated return to the octagon. Such public expressions of discontent from a fighter of McGregor’s stature further underscore the prevalent issues surrounding fighter contracts and compensation within the UFC.

UFC President Dana White has also been active, responding to rumors concerning high-profile fighters Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev, both reportedly considering new weight classes. These potential shifts illustrate fighters’ strategic career decisions, often influenced by opportunities for title shots and increased earnings. Meanwhile, Nassourdine Imavov made headlines by explaining his callout of Sean Strickland after UFC Houston, stating, "I will leave him dead inside of the cage," indicating intense competitive rivalries. Legal developments also saw Diego Sanchez reach a plea agreement for a July arrest on multiple gun charges. In other fight news, Jorge Masvidal addressed a potential trilogy against Nate Diaz, questioning, "You want him to f*cking get slaughtered again?" And Dricus du Plessis praised Israel Adesanya for "putting his reputation on the line" against Joe Pyfer.

Adding to the robust boxing narrative, a major announcement confirmed that Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao 2 is officially slated for The Sphere in Las Vegas, with the fight reportedly streaming on Netflix. This mega-bout, even if an exhibition, signifies the enduring financial power of boxing’s biggest names and the willingness of streaming giants to invest heavily in high-profile combat sports events, further accentuating the earning potential at the pinnacle of professional boxing compared to other combat sports.

The juxtaposition of these developments – a major boxing deal for Benn, the ongoing pay discussions within the UFC highlighted by O’Malley and McGregor, and the announcement of another high-profile boxing event – collectively paints a comprehensive picture of the current state of combat sports. The discussion surrounding fighter compensation remains a central theme, as athletes navigate their careers in an environment where financial opportunities can vary drastically depending on the sport and promotional structure.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Ali Akbar Rosady

Latest entries

• MMAFebruary 24, 2026UFC Star Sean O’Malley Questions Reported $15 Million Zuffa Boxing Deal for Conor Benn, Highlighting Combat Sports Pay Disparity.
• MMAFebruary 24, 2026Sean Strickland’s Dominant Houston Knockout Victory Ignites Middleweight Title Debate.
• MMAFebruary 23, 2026Daniel Cormier Foresees Sean Strickland as Potentially Khamzat Chimaev’s Toughest Challenge Yet in UFC Middleweight Division
• MMAFebruary 23, 2026Paramount+ Kicks Off Exclusive UFC Partnership with Blockbuster UFC 324 Card: Gaethje-Pimblett Interim Title Clash, Nunes Returns Against Harrison.