WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has seemingly confirmed a high-stakes title defense against British contender Conor Benn during a recent live stream. Appearing on the Kick platform alongside rapper 6ix9ine, Garcia indicated that the bout is currently targeted for September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While the American star was vocal about the matchup, official contracts remain unsigned and negotiations between the respective promotional camps are ongoing as of May 17, 2026.
Garcia, who holds a professional record of 27-1 with 22 knockouts, claimed his first world title in February after defeating Mario Barrios via unanimous decision. The victory followed a turbulent period for the Californian, who served a one-year suspension after testing positive for ostarine in connection with his April 2024 fight against Devin Haney. A potential clash with Benn would mark Garcia’s second appearance of 2026 as he looks to solidify his reign within the welterweight division.
Conor Benn enters the frame as the WBC’s No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger at 147 pounds. The Londoner, sporting a 25-1 record, most recently defeated Regis Prograis by unanimous decision on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That bout, contested at a 150-pound catchweight, served as Benn’s debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner. Following that win, Benn wasted little time calling out the champion, telling Garcia to “keep my belt warm” ahead of a prospective September showdown.
Promotional hurdles and the Netflix broadcast discussion
Despite the public enthusiasm from both fighters, the logistics of finalizing the deal remain complex. Ryan Garcia operates under Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, while Conor Benn recently signed a multi-year extension with Zuffa Boxing. The involvement of Zuffa Boxing, which is partially backed by Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, introduces a new dynamic to the negotiations. Historically, the rivalry between Dana White of Zuffa and De La Hoya has presented a significant barrier to co-promotional agreements.
Broadcasting rights are another major point of discussion for this late-summer event. While Garcia has a long-standing relationship with DAZN, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a September 12 slot on Netflix is currently under consideration. If the streaming giant secures the rights, it would represent a notable shift in how major most dangerous boxers are showcased to a global audience. Hearn noted that Netflix is likely to only host a limited number of boxing events, making this particular slot highly coveted.
The proposed date of September 12 also sets up a potential scheduling conflict for boxing fans. On that same night, WBC super-middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez is scheduled to defend his title against Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While the time difference between the Middle East and Las Vegas may prevent a direct broadcast overlap, it creates a crowded calendar for the sport’s major governing bodies. This comes as the boxing world continues to manage the fallout of various business shifts that have redefined promotional power in recent years.
Garcia remains confident ahead of mandatory defense
During his live stream, Ryan Garcia didn’t hold back his thoughts on Benn’s technical abilities. He claimed that the Briton still “fights like an amateur” and predicted the fight would not go the distance. Garcia told viewers that he expects either the referee or Benn’s corner to stop the contest in the sixth or seventh round. This confidence stems from his belief that Benn’s style is perfectly suited for his own counter-punching approach.
For Conor Benn, the fight represents the opportunity to finally capture a world title after his own provisional suspension was lifted by the U.K. National Anti-Doping Panel in November 2024. Benn has been vocal about his desire to prove himself in the US market, having recently signed a lucrative deal with Zuffa Boxing reported to be worth $15 million for his previous outing. He remains fixed on the WBC title, though it remains to be seen if the promotional heads can bridge their differences to sign the contract.
The welterweight landscape is currently in a state of flux with several top names vying for position. While Ryan Garcia continues his push for the biggest possible commercial matchups, the WBC mandatory status of Benn makes this fight a priority for the sanctioning body. If it lands at the T-Mobile Arena as Garcia suggests, it will likely be one of the most talked-about events of the third quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has a contract been signed for Garcia vs Benn?
No, there is currently no signed contract for the fight between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn. While both fighters have expressed a desire to fight and Garcia has mentioned a September 12 date in Las Vegas, negotiations are still ongoing between Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa Boxing.
What weight will the Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn fight be at?
The fight is expected to be for Garcia’s WBC welterweight title, which carries a limit of 147 pounds. Although Benn’s most recent victory over Regis Prograis took place at a 150-pound catchweight, this bout is being positioned as a mandatory title defense at the welterweight limit.
Who is promoting Conor Benn for this fight?
Conor Benn is represented by Zuffa Boxing, an organization led by Dana White and backed by Turki Alalshikh. Benn recently signed a multi-year extension with the company following a successful one-fight deal for his April 11 appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
