Conor Benn’s $15 M Fight: Who’s Really Paying?

Key Takeaway:
Conor Benn’s upcoming blockbuster bout is not funded by the UFC owners; instead, it will be financed entirely by Saudi‑led entertainment firm SELA.

The Deal in Detail

• TKO Group Holdings: Mark Shapiro confirmed on a quarterly call that the one‑fight contract with Zuffa Boxing is fully funded by SELA, headed by Turki Alalshikh.
• Purse: The rumored $15 million purse will come from SELA, not TKO.
• Promotion: Zuffa promotes the event; SELA covers all costs, mirroring the 2023 Canelo‑Crawford Netflix fight.

Zuffa Boxing’s New Model

• Launch: January 2024.
• Broadcast: Exclusively on Paramount+.
• UFC Owners’ Role: Receive a small promotional fee; no direct payment to fighters.

Benn’s Future

• 2026 Superfight: Headlining a major event, not regular Zuffa fights.
• Stakeholders: Dana White and WWE’s Nick Khan helped sign Benn, but fight details (date, venue, opponent) remain undisclosed.

Bottom Line

The UFC’s owners are not paying Conor Benn. SELA will bankroll the match, positioning it as a high‑profile spectacle akin to past Zuffa events.