Dan Rafael Says Conor Benn Will Earn $15M For Zuffa Combat Deal

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Rafael reported the purse figure Saturday, providing the first clear indication of how aggressively Zuffa entered the market to secure Benn. The deal had already been described as an eight-figure agreement, but the reported $15 million payout places it among the largest single-fight purses ever awarded to a fighter without a world title.

The size of the purse offers immediate clarity to the situation that stunned Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who admitted he was devastated by Benn’s departure. Hearn said he learned of the deal through Benn’s lawyer and was denied a direct call with the fighter before the agreement became public.

Benn confirmed earlier this week that his contract with Zuffa Boxing covers only one fight, allowing him to return to free agency afterward. That structure protects his long-term flexibility while still allowing him to collect the largest payday of his career.

The financial commitment also signals Zuffa’s willingness to spend heavily as it establishes itself in boxing. Benn becomes one of the first major fighters secured by the promotion, which operates under TKO Group Holdings, the same parent company as the UFC and WWE.

Benn enters the deal following two high-profile fights against Chris Eubank Jr., events that drew massive crowds in the United Kingdom despite Benn not holding a world title. The reported $15 million purse confirms that Zuffa is investing in his drawing ability rather than championship credentials.

The size of the payment makes clear that Benn’s move was driven by opportunity, not obligation