Conor Benn has revealed that he gained 32lbs in just 12 hours after successfully making the welterweight limit for his WBC title fight against Ryan Garcia.
The 29-year-old Briton weighed in at 10st 6lb, or 66kg, at Friday’s official weigh-in at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Garcia came in half a pound lighter.
But by the time Benn appeared at the ceremonial weigh-in later on Friday, he had already rehydrated dramatically.
Benn said on social media that his weight had climbed to 12st 10lb, or 81.65kg.
That represents an increase of 32lbs in around 12 hours.
Benn Had Looked Drained During Fight Week
Much of the build-up to Saturday’s fight has centred on whether Benn could safely return to the welterweight limit.
He had not fought at 10st 7lb for more than four years.
His two fights against Chris Eubank Jr took place at middleweight, with Benn weighing 11st 2lb for the first and 11st 5lb for the rematch.
For his win over Regis Prograis in April, he weighed 10st 10lb.
During fight week, Benn appeared increasingly drawn and admitted the weight cut had taken him to the “pits of hell”.
Despite those concerns, he smiled after making weight and appeared in better condition than some observers had expected.
32lb Rehydration
Just 12 hours later, Benn had put more than two stone back on.
At the ceremonial event, his face and shoulders looked noticeably fuller than they had at the official weigh-in.
Asked about the weight cut, Benn said: “Did it look hard? How did I look?”
He added: “We’ll see tomorrow night how good I really feel.”
Benn had previously said he could weigh around 12st 7lb by the time he entered the ring.
His latest figure suggests he has already gone beyond that.
No Rehydration Clause
There is no rehydration clause in place for the fight.
That means Benn is free to regain as much weight as he can after making the official welterweight limit.
The difference could become an important factor against Garcia.
Benn relies heavily on pressure, aggression and physical strength, while Garcia is known for speed, timing and his powerful left hook.
If Benn has recovered well from the weight cut, his size advantage could become one of his biggest weapons.
If the cut has taken too much out of him, however, it could affect his stamina and punch resistance over 12 rounds.
Garcia Makes Weight Without Drama
Garcia also made the welterweight limit comfortably.
The 28-year-old American had previously experienced problems on the scales, most notably when he came in more than three pounds over the light-welterweight limit before his 2024 fight with Devin Haney.
There were brief questions on Friday when Garcia was late appearing at the official weigh-in.
He eventually arrived around 10 minutes after Benn and comfortably made the limit.
Garcia Making First WBC Defence
Garcia enters the fight as WBC welterweight champion.
He won the belt with a dominant points victory over Mario Barrios in February and will make his first defence against Benn.
Garcia has won 25 of his 28 professional fights, with 20 victories by knockout, alongside two defeats and one no-contest.
Benn has 25 wins from 26 contests, including 14 knockouts, with one defeat.
It will be Benn’s first world-title fight.
He has already said that if he defeats Garcia, he intends to vacate the welterweight title and move back up in weight.
Heated Build-Up Ends Calmly
Hundreds of fans attended Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in outside T-Mobile Arena despite temperatures of around 40C.
Garcia received the louder reception as he appeared alongside his daughter and WWE star Rey Mysterio.
Benn remained largely motionless during the face-off while Garcia bounced on his toes.
There was no repeat of the scuffles which had marked parts of the build-up earlier in the week.
The pair will meet for the WBC welterweight title on Saturday night.
