Dana White has targeted Ryan Garcia for Zuffa Boxing once the American fighter’s existing promotional contract expires. White confirmed his interest ahead of Garcia’s Saturday bout against Conor Benn, positioning Garcia alongside recent signees Shakur Stevenson and Benn.
Zuffa Boxing is actively assembling a diverse stable of high-profile fighters to establish a firm foothold in professional boxing. Stevenson provides elite technical skill, though he has struggled to convert that talent into broad mainstream popularity. Benn gives the company immediate access to the UK market through his aggressive fighting style. However, Garcia represents a unique commercial asset in the American market. His ability to generate massive public attention does not depend on holding world titles, securing carefully selected opponents, or executing months of standard promotional work. Millions of fans follow his every move, making him an ideal fit for White’s marketing approach.
White made his intentions clear during an interview with talkSPORT Boxing during fight week. He said: “There’s guys that you bet on. You bet on certain guys, and we’re bringing in him, Shakur Stevenson, and a lot of other guys, and hopefully Ryan when his deal is up. But yeah, there’s guys you bet on. And I bet on Conor Benn all day on the business side. The guy’s box office. A guy you can build a business around,”
Garcia possesses a level of stardom that few active boxers can match. His broad commercial appeal remains firmly intact regardless of win-loss outcomes.
White’s decision to state his interest during fight week carries distinct strategic benefits for the fighter. By publicly revealing that a powerful prospective employer awaits, Garcia gains significant financial leverage when negotiations begin on his next promotional deal. Golden Boy Promotions will undoubtedly understand the implied pressure. For Benn, Saturday’s contest presents a critical benchmark, as he must demonstrate an ability to generate major headline interest on his own merit. While Stevenson supplies technical excellence and Benn offers British market appeal, Garcia would supply the mainstream American celebrity factor that neither fighter currently matches. A loss on Saturday will not diminish Garcia’s value, but joining Zuffa in the future could give White’s boxing venture its largest audience yet.
