Ryan Garcia finally has a dance partner for his first world title defense. Garcia will defend his WBC welterweight championship against Conor Benn on Sept. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC CEO and president Dana White unveiled on Wednesday.Garcia finally broke through to win a world title with a dominant decision over Mario Barrios in February. That win helped erase some doubt around him after a wild stretch in his career. Garcia was knocked out by Gervonta Davis in 2023. Then in his biggest step-up fight to date against Devin Haney, Garcia missed weight ahead of what became a tremendous showing against Haney, only to then fail multiple drug tests. Garcia returned to the ring against Rolando Romero a year later to deliver a lifeless outing in New York’s Times Square.At his best, Garcia brings elite speed and a powerful left hook to the ring. But strange social media breakdowns and a tendency to perform below his abilities have held him back from early career expectations.
Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn is OFFICIAL! Live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 12th on Mexican Independence Day Weekend #GarciaBenn pic.twitter.com/YSnrSMnmVq
— danawhite (@danawhite) July 15, 2026
