Conor Benn Calls for Crossover Fight with Conor McGregor After Ryan Garcia Defeat
Following a knockout loss, boxer Conor Benn has publicly expressed interest in a lucrative bout against UFC star Conor McGregor.
Boxer Conor Benn has proposed a crossover fight with UFC star Conor McGregor, weeks after suffering his first professional knockout defeat against Ryan Garcia. Benn, who was stopped in the second round by Garcia in Las Vegas, took to social media to share a fight poster featuring himself and McGregor, suggesting a potential matchup in 2027.
Benn is reportedly keen to explore terms for this bout, which has been previously speculated as a possibility by boxing figures like Roy Jones Jr. Jones suggested that such a contest could provide significant paydays for Benn and potentially help Zuffa Boxing recoup its investment. A fight against McGregor would offer Benn a high-profile event without the pressure of a world title and could attract a broad audience beyond traditional boxing fans.
McGregor, a global superstar from his UFC career, also stepped into the boxing ring in 2017 against Floyd Mayweather. He is currently navigating his own challenging period, having recently suffered a setback in his octagon return against Max Holloway. McGregor's comeback fight against Holloway ended prematurely due to a knee injury sustained within the first minute of the bout, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
Benn's call-out follows his decisive loss to Garcia, where a powerful right hand ended the fight. The defeat raised questions about Benn's future in welterweight, particularly concerning his ability to make weight. Following the fight, Benn expressed uncertainty about his next steps, emphasizing a desire to spend time with his family.
The prospect of a fight with McGregor, a highly recognizable figure in combat sports, would represent a different path back into the spotlight for Benn. McGregor, a former two-weight UFC champion, has experience in crossover events, notably his 2017 boxing match with Mayweather, which garnered massive global attention despite his eventual 10th-round TKO loss. That fight, while a defeat, resulted in a significant payday and further solidified McGregor's commercial appeal.