Dana White 'Finalizing' Massive Shakur Stevenson Deal

InnovationGamingDana White 'Finalizing' Massive Shakur Stevenson DealByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorMay 09, 2026, 01:27am EDTMay 09, 2026, 01:27am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: UFC President and CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCSports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reports junior welterweight champion and pound-for-pound contender Shakur Stevenson is "finalizing" a deal with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing. If this is true, White will have secured one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world to his growing stable of fighters, and he'll also have an obvious premier matchup at 147 pounds between Stevenson and new-signee Conor Benn.Key Facts at a GlanceReporter: Chris Mannix, Sports IllustratedStatus: "Working towards finalizing" per Mannix — not yet officially signedStevenson's Record: 25-0 (11 KOs)Current Titles: WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight (140 lbs)Last Fight: Defeated Teofimo Lopez 119-109 at MSG, January 31, 2026Previously Reported Offer: $60 million for three fights (Stevenson dismissed in March)Zuffa Boxing Run By: Nick Khan, fronted by Dana White, bankrolled by Saudi ArabiaOther Recent Zuffa Signings: Conor Benn ($15M one-fight), Jai Opetaia, Richardson HitchinsWhat Did Chris Mannix Report About Shakur Stevenson?Mannix's reporting frames Stevenson as "working towards finalizing a deal" with Zuffa Boxing, with multiple sources telling SI that Zuffa's guaranteed money proved too significant for Stevenson to ignore despite competing offers. The reporting represents a meaningful...