Conor Benn has confirmed his split from Eddie Hearn as he makes a shock switch from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing, which is headed up by UFC president Dana White.

The news came as a huge surprise with Benn becming the second big-name signing to join Zuffa, following cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.

Following a three year absence Benn returned to the ring last April against Chris Eubank Jnr, suffering his first loss as a professional, but he avenged that loss by winning their rematch in November.

The 29-year-old has hailed the influence of Hearn, who claimed that Benn was "a true role model and an inspiration" after his victory against Eubank Jnr. But Benn claimed the Zuffa offer was too good to turn down, but opened the door for Hearn to remain with him.

He said in a statement: "First and foremost, I want to thank Eddie and the entire team at Matchroom for everything they’ve done for me over the past decade. From guiding me when I first turned pro, to headlining stadium shows. They were not only with me for those highlight moments but stood shoulder to shoulder with me during the tough times.

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"It’s been a journey beyond anything we could have imagined, and for their belief, support, and guidance, I will always be truly grateful, but Zuffa Boxing presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse. I’d love Eddie to continue to be part of my team and for our partnership to evolve in this new chapter.

"I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing. I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans".

Zuffa Boxing is being led by White and Saudi government official Turki Alalshikh, who has been pivotal to the Gulf nation’s boxing drive in recent years. The UFC chief has talked down Hearn's influence and believes he can add a new dynamic to the sport.

He said: “I don’t think anybody looks at Eddie Hearn and says: ‘Oh, this guy’s a visionary.’ The guy’s been in boxing forever, I look at him like most politicians. You’ve done nothing in this sport except stay in the lane and play by all the rules and ride right along with what’s been... You ended up becoming part of the problem, is what’s happened.

“And I don’t wanna sit here and smash Eddie Hearn or anything, but Eddie Hearn works for his dad, you know what I mean? He works for dad. I don’t think he’s come in and had any type of vision, whereas we do, and we’re gonna change the entire sport.”