Dana White Brings up Anthony Joshua’s New Deal When Asked About Eddie Hearn – Tom Aspinall Partnership
UFC CEO Dana White refuses to answer questions about Tom Aspinall's next fight but wasted no time in criticizing his deal with Eddie Hearn.
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Dana White weighs in on Tom Aspinall situation while mentioning Anthony Joshua (via The Irish Star, BBC)
Dana White has never been one to hold back his opinions, often confronting criticism and challenges publicly. The UFC CEO is currently locked in a rivalry with Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn. That feud gained another layer when UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall signed with Matchroom’s talent agency. Months later, White finally addressed the hilarious reason why he believes it was a bad decision.
The main chapter of their rivalry began when White signed Matchroom welterweight star Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing. What started as a one-fight agreement was later expanded into a multi-fight deal. Hearn responded by bringing Aspinall into his newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency. The agency helps manage his sponsorships, media opportunities and other commercial interests outside competition.
Anthony Joshua remains Matchroom’s biggest star and has worked with Hearn since turning professional. However, the former champion recently signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The global firm represents athletes, entertainers, and media personalities across several industries. White recently referenced Joshua’s move while discussing Aspinall’s latest business decision.
I’ll tell you something funny, though. So, ‘AJ’ just signed with CAA for sponsorship and all that kind of stuff. Doesn’t Eddie Hearn have a [talent agency]? Isn’t that what he does? Aspinall signs with Eddie Hearn, which is insane. AJ, who has been with him forever and they are probably best friends, signs with CAA.
Dana White via UFC Vegas 119 press conference
White’s latest reaction is undoubtedly surprising given his stance when the partnership was first announced in March 2026. At the time, the UFC boss appeared supportive of the arrangement and wished Aspinall success with the venture. The sudden change in tone highlights how much White’s relationship with the UFC heavyweight champion appears to have deteriorated in recent months.
Hearn recently criticized the UFC for keeping Aspinall on what he described as a restrictive, low-paying contract. The British promoter even urged White to release the heavyweight champion from his deal. White quickly fired back, dismissing Hearn’s comments and accusing him of acting like a child. He also jokingly suggested that Hearn hand over undefeated boxing star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez instead.
While the Dana White – Eddie Hearn rivalry continues, Anthony Joshua remains focused on his career. The former heavyweight champion is preparing to face Kristian Prenga and is also expected to meet Tyson Fury later this year. Their feud has increasingly spilled into fighter management and promotional business. As tensions grow, fighters have become key figures in a broader battle for influence.
Dana White reacts to Saudi executives’ plea to broker peace in boxing promotion
Dana White and Eddie Hearn have been going back and forth for more than a year. The rivalry began after White spoke about modernizing boxing and addressing many of the sport’s longstanding challenges. As tensions grew, both promoters even challenged each other to a boxing match. However, White later dismissed the idea, shifting his focus back to business competition instead.
Turki Alalshikh recently revealed plans to bring leading boxing promoters together to reduce the constant public feuds. The Saudi boxing powerbroker expressed his desire to see promoters work more closely and focus on growing the sport. However, that vision quickly ran into resistance. Responding to the idea, the UFC boss recently delivered a reality check during the UFC Vegas 119 press conference.
He’s made some pretty big things happen in the sport of boxing. This is his biggest challenge yet.
Dana White via UFC Vegas 119 presser
Dana White says Turki Al-Sheikh trying to make peace between him and Eddie Hearn is his biggest challenge yet 👀 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NFmVEHkdjz
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) June 21, 2026
The current hostility is a stark contrast from their earlier relationship. Dana White and Hearn once shared mutual respect as two of combat sports’ leading promoters. Both regularly acknowledged each other’s success as they built their brands. Over time, growing business competition turned that respect into a very public rivalry.
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