TLDR
- Connor Benn and Ryan Garcia had to be separated by security during their New York press conference on Saturday
- Benn threatened to ‘smack those glasses straight off’ Garcia’s face before trying to reach him
- The two fighters repeatedly traded insults about heart, quitting, and fighting ability
- UFC chief Dana White helped push Benn back before security took control
- The fight is scheduled for September 12 in Las Vegas with Garcia’s WBC welterweight title on the line
Sources: skysports.com | bbc.co.uk
Security stepped in to separate Connor Benn and Ryan Garcia after their press conference in New York turned physical on Saturday. The British fighter attempted to confront the WBC welterweight champion after exchanging heated words throughout the media day.
The confrontation erupted when Benn told Garcia he would “smack those glasses straight off your face.” Garcia responded with an expletive, prompting Benn to step out of his seat and move toward the American fighter.
UFC chief Dana White initially pushed Benn back before security personnel intervened to keep the two apart. The incident comes just days after the fighters clashed at the weigh-in for UFC 329.
Fighters Trade Insults About Heart and Ability
Benn, 29, called Garcia “like a big child, a spoiled brat” earlier in the press conference. “He throws his toys out of the pram on social media, throwing little tantrums,” Benn said.
“I’m not too concerned about this little influencer. He ain’t a fighter,” Benn added.
Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn almost threw hands during their face to face interview 😭
🗣️ “I wanna smack him in his face.”
🗣️ “If you actually tried to hit me, I would knock you the f*ck out. I promise you I would.” pic.twitter.com/4LFseeQT95
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 21, 2026
The British fighter then pointed at himself and said: “12-round war proven. I don’t quit, I don’t stay down on one knee.” This was a reference to Garcia’s 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis.
Garcia, 27, fired back by saying Benn’s “not gonna make it to 12, he’s not good enough.” “You think I’m going to let a guy from the UK come here and beat me and take my belt? You’ve lost your mind,” Garcia said.
Benn continued his verbal attack by telling Garcia: “Wait till I smack you up and make you quit. You have no heart. You’re not Mexican, bro.”
Father Nigel Benn Watches as Tensions Peak
Benn, who spent 12 years of his childhood in Mallorca, Spain, then shouted at Garcia in Spanish while grabbing his crotch. Garcia responded by predicting he would stop Benn inside five rounds.
During the face-off that followed, Benn’s father Nigel Benn stood behind him. The former world champion watched as his son repeatedly shouted “you quit” and told Garcia “you ain’t got no heart. I’ll test it, I’ll test that chin too.”
Garcia replied: “This about to be easy work. You not good enough to beat me. Your dad’s gonna stop the fight. I promise you.”
Benn is now promoted by Zuffa Boxing, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital. The date for the fight was confirmed last week.
The bout is scheduled for September 12 in Las Vegas. Garcia will defend his WBC welterweight championship against Benn in what has already become one of the most heated rivalries in boxing this year.
