Conor Benn reacts to Conor McGregor showdown talk after Ryan Garcia loss.© NDTV Photo Library
Conor Benn has embraced the possibility of a crossover boxing match with Conor McGregor. He responded, “Any day of the week”, to a social media post suggesting the two could meet next year. The British boxer is planning a return in early 2027 after losing the WBC welterweight title to Ryan Garcia. Benn, 30, lost to Garcia in the second round by knockout at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on September 12. Garcia dropped him with a right hand before referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout, leaving Benn at 25-2 with 14 knockouts. Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year after leaving Matchroom Boxing. McGregor has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and has been linked with a BKFC debut.
Benn eyes 2027 comeback as McGregor crossover talk heats up
Conor Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year after leaving Matchroom Boxing. Conor McGregor has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and has been linked with a BKFC debut.
Following the defeat, Benn said he needed time with his family and was unsure what would come next. The possibility of facing McGregor, though, appears to have changed his thinking. ESPN reports that he expects to return in the first part of 2027.
Dana White has previously said he is not interested in MMA vs. boxing matches. Even so, Benn’s Zuffa contract and McGregor’s limited UFC commitments could open a path to a boxing-only fight.
McGregor has boxed professionally only once. He lost to Floyd Mayweather by 10th-round TKO in 2017, in a bout that became one of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view events.
McGregor’s potential BKFC debut remains unclear
Conor McGregor is recovering from the ACL injury he suffered during his UFC comeback against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in July.
He has one fight left on his UFC deal and has been linked with a BKFC debut. Promotion co-owner Dave Feldman suggested it could happen in around 15 months.
Benn’s manager, Keith Connolly, defended the boxer’s move to Zuffa Boxing. saying the offer was significantly larger than Matchroom’s. Benn is reportedly still owed four fights under that deal.
A bout between McGregor and Benn would certainly be a commercially lucrative one. However, Benn may also consider a trilogy with Chris Eubank Jr. The two have won one fight each in 2025.
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