Conor Benn has described the process of making the welterweight limit for his upcoming world-title challenge against Ryan Garcia as akin to being "dragged down to the pits of hell." Despite the intense difficulty of the weight cut, Benn stated that he is healthy and confident he will make the weight.
Benn appeared relaxed and in good spirits while interacting with the traveling British media at the UFC's Meta Apex. His father, former two-weight world champion Nigel Benn, has been a consistent presence throughout fight week, even after previously indicating he would step back from his son's career.
One notable absence during fight week has been Benn's opponent, Ryan Garcia. Garcia did not attend a scheduled face-off at Mandalay Bay on Tuesday. Benn was informed in advance that the champion would not be present. Benn attended the event regardless and jokingly squared off with his father.
Benn characterized Garcia as a "strange geezer" and suggested that the no-show "done the champion no favours." He added, "I'm not bothered, I've dealt with worse. If he turns up or not, it makes no difference to me. Irrespective of how hard the weight cut is or anything else, we owe it to the public to give the fans what they want. It's a lack of discipline and professionalism."