Benn Calls Out McGregor for Boxing Return in Early 2027

Conor Benn has targeted UFC star Conor McGregor as a potential opponent as the British welterweight plans his return to boxing in early 2027. ESPN reports that Benn, who has not fought since his contentious split-decision win over Rodolfo Orozco in Las Vegas last February, has now publicly called out McGregor, whose recent attempts to secure a boxing licence have made headlines across combat sports.

Benn remains under contract with Matchroom Boxing despite serving two separate doping suspensions over the past three years. His positive tests for trace amounts of clomiphene in 2022 derailed a planned fight with Chris Eubank Jr and kept him out of UK rings until late 2023. He holds a 23-0 record with 14 knockouts and is ranked in the top 15 at welterweight by multiple sanctioning bodies, though his next opponent and exact fight date have not been confirmed.

McGregor has not competed in any combat sport since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. The Irishman has repeatedly teased a boxing debut since his 2017 loss to Floyd Mayweather, but no deal has materialised. A Benn-McGregor fight would be a spectacle first and a sporting contest second, yet it is exactly the kind of crossover event that sells — and Benn's call-out has put it firmly on the table.