Garcia to defend WBC title against Benn in September bout
The WBC welterweight champion faces Conor Benn in a fight that emerged after legal uncertainty between Zuffa Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions.
UFC CEO and president Dana White has officially confirmed that WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia will defend his title against Conor Benn on 12 September. The bout is scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the event timed to coincide with Mexican Independence Day Weekend.
The fight is promoted under the Zuffa Boxing banner in collaboration with Golden Boy Promotions, with Oscar De La Hoya serving as president of the latter. This announcement follows a period of contractual friction, including a cease and desist order filed by Golden Boy Promotions, which cited promotional interference with their fighter. It remains unclear whether all legal and contractual issues between the promoters have been fully resolved.
Garcia captured the WBC welterweight title in February with a dominant decision victory over Mario Barrios. This win marked a significant point in his career, which has been characterised by volatility. His recent record includes a knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in 2023, a no-contest against Devin Haney after he missed weight and failed drug tests, and a loss to Rolando Romero.
Benn arrives with a 25-1 record and significant momentum. He moved up in weight to challenge Chris Eubank Jr. in April 2025, losing a close decision in a bout marked by the historical rivalry between their fathers. Benn avenged that defeat with a dominant decision win over Eubank in November 2025, before securing a one-sided decision over Regis Prograis in April.
The event will be streamed globally on Paramount+, with exclusive broadcasting rights in the UK and Ireland held by DAZN. Garcia holds a professional record of 25 wins and two defeats, while Benn holds 25 wins and one defeat.
