Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn Reportedly Being Targeted for August on Netflix — WBC Confirms Benn as Mandatory
The welterweight division’s next blockbuster might already have a date and a platform. Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn is reportedly being eyed for August 2026 on Netflix, and the WBC has confirmed that Benn is the mandatory challenger for Garcia’s WBC welterweight title. Garcia wasted no time responding: “I’m down. Garcia vs Benn. Let’s do it.”
Benn was even more direct after his unanimous decision win over Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. “Garcia, I want my belt. Keep my belt warm. September. Let’s go. Any day of the week.”
On paper, this fight sells itself. Two polarizing fighters — both carrying controversial pasts involving failed drug tests — meeting for a world title on the world’s biggest streaming platform. Garcia’s hand speed and one-punch knockout power against Benn’s pressure and work rate. The pre-fight buildup would be nuclear.
But the early fan reaction is overwhelmingly one-sided. Garcia is the clear favorite, with most observers pointing to his speed advantage and finishing ability as problems Benn simply can’t solve. Benn’s inability to stop a 37-year-old Prograis who was visibly hobbled by a leg injury didn’t help his case. If his defense looks the same against Garcia, the fight could be short and violent.
There’s also the weight question. Benn fought Prograis at a 150-pound catchweight and would need to cut to 147 for the Garcia fight — his first time making welterweight in a competitive bout since 2022. That cut could be the difference between a competitive fight and a one-sided beatdown.
The WBC mandatory status means Garcia can’t avoid this without vacating the belt. August on Netflix looks increasingly inevitable.
Garcia (25-1, 19 KOs) is the reigning WBC welterweight champion known for his elite hand speed and devastating left hook. Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) is a British contender who signed a reported $15 million deal with Zuffa Boxing and is seeking his first world title.
