Hearn Issues Ultimatum to White: Release Aspinall and Benn Dispute Ends

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly urged UFC president Dana White to free Tom Aspinall from his current contract, arguing that the heavyweight champion is significantly undercompensated for his value. Aspinall, a 33-year-old Manchester native, recently entered into a "commercial and advisory" partnership with Hearn’s newly established talent agency in March.

Aspinall has distinguished himself as a dominant force in the UFC’s heavyweight division, securing seven of his eight victories via first-round finishes. Hearn has indicated that if the UFC permits Aspinall’s departure, he is prepared to offer the fighter substantially higher earnings. The specific sport in which Aspinall would compete—boxing or mixed martial arts—remains undecided amidst escalating tensions between Hearn and White.

In a bid to resolve the situation, the Matchroom chairman has offered to withdraw planned legal proceedings regarding Conor Benn’s departure from his promotion to White’s Zuffa Boxing entity, contingent upon Aspinall’s release. Hearn, 46, had previously characterized Benn’s exit at age 29 as a "dagger in the heart."

"I’ll walk away from all their problems they've got on the Conor Benn legal situation if they release Tom Aspinall," Hearn declared. He emphasized the financial disparity, stating, "And I will, in writing, it will be five or six times more money he'll be making, but I will put in writing that Tom Aspinall will make a minimum of three times more than he will under his current contract."

Aspinall remains one of the UFC’s most prominent stars under contract. Hearn has long criticized the organization’s compensation model, suggesting that elite athletes could generate significantly greater income in other arenas. While there are no signs the UFC intends to release Aspinall, Hearn’s comments have reignited discussions regarding fighter remuneration in MMA.

"I would like to propose that Dana White should be happy for Tom Aspinall, who is extremely unhappy, and he should release him of his obligations with the UFC," Hearn added. "And he should allow him to go out and make considerably more for himself and his family because that's what Dana White's all about, isn't it? He'd be happy for Tom. So that's what I would like."

Aspinall’s return to the cage is currently delayed due to ocular issues stemming from his title bout against Ciryl Gane last October, which was halted because of repeated eye pokes. Following double eye surgery in February, it remains unclear when the champion will resume competition.

The public feud between Hearn and White has intensified since the debut of Zuffa Boxing. Aspinall became a focal point in this conflict when Hearn accused White of "humiliating" the fighter by failing to support him amidst the controversy surrounding the Gane fight.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-01 15:37:47 UTC