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Costly Zuffa Signings Deliver Little Value

Zuffa’s expensive signings have helped establish its reputation as a destination for huge paydays. Conor Benn’s defeat and Shakur’s continued inactivity raise a harder question: what has the promotion received

Published: Friday, 2 October 2026 at 2:41 AM
Costly Zuffa Signings Deliver Little Value
Key Things to Know
  • Boxing 24/7 argues that Zuffa has gained little value from expensive signings like Conor Benn and Shakur Stevenson.
  • The writer views Benn as an expensive error following his second-round stoppage loss on September 12.
  • Stevenson has remained inactive since January despite officially signing with Zuffa in July.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Boxing 24/7 argues that Zuffa Boxing's expensive investments in high-profile fighters have generated minimal return so far. The outlet contends that Conor Benn represents a recruitment misstep after being stopped in the second round on September 12. Additionally, the analysis criticizes the signing of Shakur Stevenson, who has not competed since January despite joining the promotion in July.

The article states that Stevenson's defensive style and prolonged inactivity fail to attract mainstream American viewers or drive pay-per-view sales. Furthermore, TKO president Mark Shapiro revealed that Saudi company Sela funded Benn's signing, shielding TKO from direct initial costs, but the author warns that such high spending requires compelling fights to be financially justified.

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