Conor Benn enters free agency after cashing in with Zuffa Boxing

Conor Benn enters free agency after cashing in with Zuffa Boxing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Conor Benn's partnership with Zuffa Boxing is over almost as quickly as it began. The British welterweight signed a one-fight deal with Dana White's promotion in February after leaving Eddie Hearn's Matchroom, and that arrangement has now concluded following his 10-round decision win over Regis Prograis on the Tyson Fury undercard at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Benn is officially a free agent, though Zuffa's involvement is unlikely to end here.

"After Saturday, I'll be a completely free agent, "Benn told the PA News Agency earlier this week. "Obviously, Zuffa are in the driving seat because of the way they've looked after me so well."

The deal rocked boxing's financial landscape for one night

A reported $15 million for a single fight against a former champion coming off losses was an extraordinary payout, and it did not go unnoticed. UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, whose organization shares ownership with Zuffa under TKO, questioned the disparity publicly.

The 29-year-old Benn acknowledged the noise but framed the decision in generational terms, saying the money changes his family's financial future permanently.

Benn left Matchroom after spending his entire professional career under Hearn's banner. He denied receiving a loan from Matchroom that was reported during the split, though he maintained there is no personal animosity.

Now comes the harder part. Benn wants the WBC welterweight title, the same organizational belt his father Nigel once held at super middleweight. A fight with current champion Ryan Garcia is the target for September.

Even if the fight is promoted by Zuffa or if Benn has taken it elsewhere, it is clear that the upper hand is on his side. Very few fighters can afford to turn their back on a contract for just one fight and still earn $15 million.