UFC Owners: We're Not Funding Benn's $15M Deal

TKO Group Holdings president Mark Shapiro addressed UFC fighters' backlash over Zuffa Boxing's reported $15 million one-fight deal with boxer Conor Benn, clarifying that TKO is not funding it. The purse is covered by SELA and partner Turki Alalshikh, similar to the Canelo-Crawford event. Driven by Dana White and Nick Khan, Benn's superfight is slated for a major 2026 event, not regular Zuffa cards, potentially drawing massive viewership like the 40 million for Canelo-Crawford. This separates boxing ventures from UFC finances, easing fighter concerns over pay disparities. Details on date, location, and opponent remain undisclosed, with Benn as a free agent target.