Though UFC boss Dana White, a front-man for Zuffa Boxing, did not attend Conor Benn’s bout against Regis Prograis on April 11 because of a scheduling conflict, he still watched, and commented, on the company’s $15 million signing.
White was instead at the Kaseya Center in Miami for the UFC 327 event featuring light heavyweight fighters Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochakza, as well as other bouts like Cub Swanson against Nate Landwehr, and Aaron Pico over Patricio Pitbull.
Before that main card of the MMA market-leader had even begun, the Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov show had already finished, providing White with ample time to consider Benn’s win.
As the co-feature, Benn took on veteran fighter Regis Prograis, who announced his retirement moments after a 10-round loss to the British slugger.
Though Benn won, his performance itself left a lot to be desired.
White’s statement, to reporters following the conclusion of UFC 327, was brief.
“I watched the fight. I think he dominated.”
— Dana White
And so, while Prograis retires with a pro record of 30 wins (24 KOs) against four defeats, Benn has a wealth of options with numerous big-name Americans volunteering as tributes to add another L on Conor’s resume.
To name just two, Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia both commented on Benn’s win, with the former yawning his way through Benn’s victory, and KingRy saying he’s “down” to book a super-fight with his transatlantic rival.
While Benn’s Zuffa Boxing debut hardly sit the combat sport industry ablaze, the Las Vegas-based upstart fight firm recently signed other notable fighters to its roster, and will now plan the debuts of New York knockout puncher Edgar Berlanga, and defensive wizard Richardson Hitchins.
Zuffa Boxing’s next event, meanwhile, is the Zuffa Boxing 06 event which is scheduled for May 10 at the Meta Apex in Vegas, and features middleweight fighters Shane Mosley Jr. and Serhii Bohachuk in the main event.
