Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn nearly brawl at New York presser

Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn nearly came to blows before their fight date arrived.

The two welterweights had to be pulled apart during their first face-off Saturday at Fanatics Fest in New York, MMA Fighting reports. Garcia and Benn meet Sept. 12 under the Zuffa Boxing banner, and tensions boiled over on stage after both fighters exchanged insults throughout the promotional event.

Hostility builds ahead of September clash

The initial staredown stayed controlled, but the war of words escalated quickly. Security intervened when the fighters moved toward each other, preventing the confrontation from turning physical.

The September date marks a major booking for Zuffa Boxing, which has positioned the Garcia-Benn matchup as a marquee event for the promotion's growing stable. Both fighters carry baggage into the contest — Garcia's erratic behavior outside the ring has drawn scrutiny, while Benn remains under a cloud after multiple failed tests that delayed his return to the sport.

The two camps head into fight week with genuine animosity already on display. First bell is set for Sept. 12 at a venue still to be announced.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Ryan Garcia, Conor Benn separated during heated press conference | MMA Fighting