Could Benn vs McGregor Become a Major Boxing Event?
Conor Benn Challenges Conor McGregor for a High-Stakes Fight
Conor Benn recently threw down the challenge for a lucrative showdown against Conor McGregor. The buzz around a potential crossover fight between these two athletes has sparked plenty of discussion. Is such a clash really possible?
Since his loss to Ryan Garcia in a WBC welterweight title bout in Las Vegas last September, Benn has kept a low profile. Yet, his recent social media response to a fan-made fight poster featuring him and McGregor stirred up a media frenzy. Benn simply replied, "Any day of the week," fueling speculation about a UK versus Ireland battle possibly happening in early 2027.
Benn vs McGregor: A Viable Matchup?
At 38 years old, McGregor remains linked to several boxing opponents since his 2017 amateur boxing defeat by Floyd Mayweather Jr. The idea of him facing Benn isn't far-fetched. Both fighters stand to benefit financially from this encounter.
In the UK, Benn has outgrown most domestic competition. Apart from a potential trilogy bout with Chris Eubank Jr., it’s uncertain which other local fights could generate similar financial interest. He reportedly earned $15 million in less than two rounds against Ryan Garcia — but that amount is considered modest compared to McGregor's earnings.
Estimates suggest McGregor pulled in as much as $32 million for his last UFC fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329, a bout that lasted just 69 seconds. Holloway’s reported base pay was around $3 million. With one fight left on his UFC contract, McGregor might target an event during International Fight Week in July 2027.
Promotional Ease and Weight Class Questions
Benn is signed with Zuffa Boxing, which shares ownership with the UFC through TKO. This connection could simplify promoting a Benn vs McGregor bout. They might even put a Zuffa welterweight or super welterweight title on the line to boost excitement and build momentum for the winner.
One factor to consider is weight. Benn is naturally bigger and has expressed he won’t compete again at welterweight (147 pounds), hinting at moving up to 154, 160, or even 168 pounds. McGregor last fought at welterweight. A catchweight agreement might solve this issue if McGregor recovers fully from his injury.
The money involved could persuade Benn to reconsider his stance on weight divisions. This fight appears very doable.
Summary of Key Details:
- Benn’s recent major fight: Lost to Ryan Garcia in September 2025
- Benn’s reported earnings: $15 million for under two rounds against Garcia
- McGregor’s last UFC fight: Defeated Max Holloway at UFC 329, July 2026
- McGregor’s estimated earnings for last fight: Up to $32 million
- Contract status: McGregor has one UFC fight remaining, targeting July 2027
- Weight classes: Benn prefers 154+ pounds; McGregor last fought at welterweight (147 pounds)
- Promotion: Both fighters connected to Zuffa/TKO, easing logistics
