Conor Benn has called out Conor McGregor for a potential crossover fight, just weeks after suffering a devastating defeat by Ryan Garcia.

Benn was stopped in the second round of his world title challenge against Garcia in Las Vegas, with a brutal right hand sending the Briton crashing to the canvas before the American finished the job.

It was the first knockout defeat of Benn's professional career and left serious questions over what comes next for the 30-year-old.

But he appears to have an unexpected opponent in mind.

Benn took to social media to share a fight poster featuring himself and McGregor, accompanied by the caption: 'Benn vs McGregor coming soon, 2027'.

He added to the speculation by responding: 'Any day of the week.'

Benn is understood to be interested in making the fight happen and is expected to explore potential terms with the Irishman.

Benn has previously been tipped to face McGregor in a lucrative crossover bout, with boxing legend Roy Jones Jr suggesting that the fight would make sense. 

He said the crossover bout would be one of two major paydays for the Brit before he considers bringing his career to a close. 

Jones also suggested such a contest could help Zuffa Boxing recoup its investment in Benn.

The prospect would offer Benn the chance to headline another major event without the pressure of a world title being on the line, while a fight against McGregor would attract an audience well beyond traditional boxing fans. 

McGregor is one of the biggest names in combat sports, having become a global superstar during his time in the UFC before stepping into the boxing ring to face Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

The Irishman is also coming off a difficult period of his own, having suffered a fresh setback on his return to the Octagon against Max Holloway.

A fight with Benn would undoubtedly attract huge attention, although there is no indication yet that the pair are close to agreeing a deal.

Benn's call-out comes after a brutal night in Las Vegas, where his hopes of becoming a world champion were ended in devastating fashion.

The British fighter had talked up his chances of upsetting Garcia, but the American's speed and power proved too much.

Garcia caught Benn with a vicious right hand in the second round, dropping him heavily to the canvas. Benn managed to get back to his feet, but Garcia immediately went on the attack again, forcing referee Thomas Taylor to step in after just one minute and 25 seconds of the round.

It was a crushing result for Benn, who had worked his way back into contention following his two-fight rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr.

Benn lost their first encounter by decision in April 2025 before getting his revenge with a points victory in November.

He subsequently returned to welterweight to challenge Garcia for the WBC title, but the American proved a step too far on the night.

The defeat also raised fresh questions about Benn's future at 147lbs, with making the weight having been a talking point in the build-up.

After the fight, Benn admitted he was unsure what came next and spoke about the sacrifices his boxing career had demanded of his family.

He made it clear that spending time with his children was his immediate priority, leaving his next move uncertain.

A lucrative showdown with McGregor would offer a very different route back into the spotlight from another world title challenge.

McGregor, meanwhile, has endured his own difficult return to competition.

The former two-weight UFC champion had been out of action since breaking his leg during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

His long-awaited comeback against Holloway was supposed to mark the start of a new chapter, but things quickly went wrong.

McGregor injured his knee after attempting a jumping kick in the opening seconds of the fight. Unable to continue, he was forced to withdraw after just 69 seconds, handing Holloway the victory.

The result was a frustrating setback for the Irishman, whose return had generated enormous interest among UFC fans.

McGregor subsequently announced plans to undergo surgery, leaving his immediate and long-term future uncertain once again.

At 38, he remains one of the most recognisable figures in combat sports, but another comeback will depend on his recovery and whether he can return to full fitness.

A boxing match with Benn would be a different proposition from another UFC appearance, though it would still require McGregor to make a significant commitment to training and preparation.

McGregor is no stranger to a crossover fight.

His most famous venture outside MMA came in August 2017, when he faced Floyd Mayweather in one of the most heavily promoted boxing matches of all time.

McGregor had never competed in a professional boxing bout before, but that did little to dampen interest in the contest.

The pair embarked on an extraordinary promotional tour, trading insults in front of huge crowds as the fight became a global spectacle.

McGregor made a competitive start, but Mayweather quickly took control before stopping him in the 10th round.

Mayweather improved his professional boxing record to 50-0, while McGregor returned to the UFC having secured a huge payday and further cemented his status as one of sport's biggest commercial attractions.