UFC president Dana White says he has no issue negotiating with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn after UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall signed with Hearn’s newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency. The agreement places Hearn in charge of Aspinall’s business interests, including aspects related to his fighting career and commercial opportunities.
The signing is notable because White and Hearn have traded public jabs in recent months, particularly after Zuffa Boxing signed boxer Conor Benn away from Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promotion. Despite the rivalry and competitive tension between the two executives, White made it clear he does not view Aspinall’s decision as a problem for the UFC.
Dana White Says UFC Will Work With Any Manager Despite Past Conflicts
Speaking during the UFC 326 pre-fight press conference, White explained that fighters are free to choose whoever they want to represent them. According to him, the UFC has worked successfully with many different representatives over the years, even those with complicated histories inside the promotion.
Dana White Reacts After Tom Aspinall Signs With Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent AgencyWhite pointed to former UFC star Tito Ortiz as an example. Ortiz had a famously turbulent relationship with White during his fighting career, often clashing with the UFC president in public disputes. However, when Ortiz later began representing fighters as a manager, White still managed to conduct negotiations and finalize deals without letting past conflicts interfere.
While the business side continues to develop, Aspinall is currently focused on recovering from injuries. The UFC heavyweight champion underwent double eye surgery following a serious eye poke suffered during his bout with Ciryl Gane in October. The injury abruptly ended their title fight in the opening round and forced Aspinall into a lengthy recovery period.
Tom Aspinall Expands Team With Eddie Hearn While Recovering From Eye Surgery And Planning Return
Aspinall recently revealed that procedures were performed on both eyes to repair the damage. Although he has not confirmed a specific timeline for his return to the octagon, he explained that partnering with Hearn was part of a plan to strengthen the commercial side of his career while he continues competing.
According to Aspinall, he has operated for much of his career with a relatively small team but felt the time was right to expand his representation. He noted that he has known Hearn for several years and trusts him to help increase his market value and grow new opportunities outside the cage.
The partnership also adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry between White and Hearn. After losing Benn to Zuffa Boxing, Hearn’s move to represent Aspinall can be viewed as a strategic response. When Aspinall eventually returns to defend his title, Hearn could find himself directly across the negotiating table from White, creating an intriguing dynamic between two powerful figures in combat sports.
