TLDR
- Conor Benn will fight Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
- This will be Benn’s first world title fight, while Garcia makes his first defense after winning the belt in February
- Benn was named WBC number one challenger despite not fighting at welterweight since February 2024
- Both fighters have been suspended for doping-related issues and have traded insults on social media for months
- Benn recently signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White
Sources: skysports.com | bbc.co.uk
Conor Benn will challenge Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It will be the first world title fight of Benn’s career.
Garcia won the WBC 147-pound belt in February when he defeated Mario Barrios by decision. The 27-year-old American will be making his first title defense against Benn.
The fight takes place on the weekend before Mexican Independence Day. Garcia, who has Mexican heritage, has a record of 25 wins, two losses, and one no-contest in his professional career.
Benn was named the WBC’s number one challenger in December despite not fighting at welterweight since February 2024. The 29-year-old British fighter has won 25 of his 26 professional fights.
Road to the Title Shot
Benn’s path to this title fight included two high-profile bouts with Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight in 2025. He lost the first fight by decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but won the rematch in November, dropping Eubank twice before winning on the cards.
In April, Benn defeated Regis Prograis at a catchweight three pounds above the welterweight limit. That fight took place on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Conor Benn wants Ryan Garcia NEXT in September‼️
“Garcia, keep my belt warm. September, let’s go” pic.twitter.com/IJM0Gboiud
— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) April 11, 2026
Benn’s last welterweight fight was more than two years ago when he beat Peter Dobson by decision in Las Vegas. He left promoters Matchroom earlier this year to sign with Zuffa Boxing, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital.
Social Media Battle Leads to Real Fight
The two fighters have exchanged heated words on social media for months. Garcia wrote that Benn “aren’t a good enough fighter to beat me” and promised to “show the lesson of rushing into something you just aren’t ready for.”
Benn responded by saying “You’ve quit once… I’ll make you quit again! Can’t teach heart! See you September 12th.” After the fight was announced, Garcia said “This one is for Mexico and the UK. Both want his a** clipped. Clout demon will be slayed.”
The fighters had to be held apart at the ceremonial weigh-in for UFC 329 last week. UFC chief Dana White said “These guys have been going back and forth on social media and this fight is going to be awesome.”
Garcia appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show in May to announce he would face Benn. However, his promoter Oscar de la Hoya said the following month that no talks had taken place at that time.
Both fighters have faced suspensions related to doping scandals. Garcia was suspended for a year between 2024 and 2025 after failing a drug test, while Benn was also sidelined for a year over doping allegations.
Garcia suffered an upset loss to WBA world champion Rolando Romero last year before bouncing back with his win over Barrios. Benn has said his goal is to win the WBC belt like his father Nigel Benn, a British boxing legend, did during his career.
Benn told BBC Sport in April that Garcia was “good for boxing” but believes he is a “liability.” Benn’s trainer Tony Sims has said beating Garcia would be one of the biggest wins in British boxing history.
Benn signed a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing after initially joining on a one-bout agreement in February.
