Conor Benn backs potential McGregor crossover bout amid contract hurdles

Conor Benn has thrown his weight behind a potential boxing showdown with UFC legend Conor McGregor, declaring he would take the fight "any day of the week" according to the Mirror ^[1]. The 30-year-old welterweight shared a mock-up poster on social media, sparking speculation about a high-profile crossover contest.

This bold statement follows Benn’s second-round knockout defeat by Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas last month, as reported by the Independent ^[2]. The loss marked Benn’s second career defeat and has left his future in the sport uncertain. He has since stepped away from training to spend time with his family, ruling out a return to the 147lb division where he previously competed.

McGregor, 38, is currently recovering from a torn ACL sustained during his July comeback against Max Holloway. The Irishman has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and has consistently teased a return to boxing since his 2017 stoppage loss to Floyd Mayweather. However, the logistics are complex. Both fighters are under the umbrella of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing promotion, owned by TKO. White has previously blocked UFC fighters from boxing elsewhere while under contract, though Zuffa offers a potential loophole.

Boxing icon George Groves told Grosvenor Sport that a Benn-McGregor clash is more logical than facing elite welterweights like Shakur Stevenson or Teofimo Lopez. Groves noted that with fewer natural opponents available at Benn’s new weight, crossover fights offer financial viability. He stated, "It would be wise for Conor Benn to concentrate on crossover fights," suggesting McGregor is the most sensible marquee name.

While fans speculate White might allow McGregor to box under the Zuffa banner, the outcome remains unconfirmed. Benn’s move to Zuffa in February, leaving promoter Eddie Hearn, heightened tensions between the two figures. For now, the two Conors appear keen, but the path to a 2027 fight is far from clear.