“Sounds Pretty Stupid” – Dana White Responds to Eddie Hearn Asking to Release UFC Champion Tom Aspinall

UFC CEO Dana White shuts down Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn's recent proposition to release heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

“Sounds Pretty Stupid” – Dana White Responds to Eddie Hearn Asking to Release UFC Champion Tom Aspinall

Dana White criticizes Eddie Hearn (via MMA Fighting)

Dana White is one of the most ruthless promoters in combat sports history. He built the UFC into a multi-billion dollar global phenomenon through aggressive expansion and media control. White has never avoided criticism or conflict with rival promoters. However, he is now at odds with Eddie Hearn over Zuffa Boxing and the British promoter’s signing of UFC champion Tom Aspinall to Matchroom Talent Agency.

Hearn signed Aspinall to Matchroom Talent Agency for commercial representation while he remains under a UFC contract. Hearn has criticized the UFC’s pay structures and argued that Aspinall is underpaid relative to his status and market value. He also believes UFC contracts limit fighters’ outside earning potential through sponsors and media deals. The signing has added tension between Hearn and White.

Hearn challenged White to release Aspinall from his UFC contract, claiming he could earn him up to five times more through boxing-linked deals under Matchroom Talent Agency. He called it a major financial upgrade for the British champion. The UFC CEO responded at the Zuffa Boxing 07 post-fight presser, rejecting the idea, reaffirming the UFC’s control over contracts, and addressing Hearn’s comments.

You release Bam Rodriguez then. Sounds pretty stupid doesn’t it? Congratulations again Eddie, you sound stupid again.

Dana White via Zuffa Boxing presser

Hearn said he would not allow Aspinall to fight the winner of Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane under his current UFC contract due to the arrangement’s low financial returns. He argued that Aspinall is underpaid as the heavyweight champion and could earn significantly more outside the UFC. Hearn has previously called the deal “disgraceful” and criticized White’s fighter pay model and compensation system for top fighters.

Aspinall and White have also been at odds following comments related to the British champion’s eye injury at UFC 321, where the UFC CEO indirectly questioned the severity of the damage. The remarks drew attention to his medical condition and recovery after the fight. Despite this, White later said he has no issue with Aspinall and expressed support for his career and new deal with the Matchroom chairman.

While Tom Aspinall is seen as a strong-minded athlete, his situation is closely tied to the rivalry between Eddie Hearn and Dana White. Many believe he has become a central figure in their ongoing conflict over contracts, representation, and control within combat sports. Despite the tension, the Englishman continues to focus on his career, as fighters often serve as leverage points in promotional disputes.

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Dana White criticizes Eddie Hearn for recent comments about Zuffa Boxing star

Dana White has been at odds with Eddie Hearn since the UFC boss spoke about modernizing boxing’s traditional structure. His comments focused on changing how the sport is promoted, structured, and commercially managed. However, Hearn rejected the idea and immediately called out White over his plans, escalating early tension between the two promoters and setting up friction over boxing’s direction.

Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White's entrance in boxing
Eddie Hearn talks about Dana White’s entrance in boxing (via X)

White escalated his rivalry with Hearn by signing Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing for a reported $15 million deal. Benn later agreed to a multi-fight arrangement with Zuffa Boxing, deepening the promotional conflict between the two sides. The British promoter responded by revealing plans for legal action regarding Benn’s contract with Matchroom. White recently called out Hearn for his recent behavior.

Eddie, who apparently said Benn was his best friend, has been crying for weeks — literally crying. ‘Oh, you’re my best friend.’ Yet he didn’t even want to pay him. But now he wants to pay my guy? He could have paid his best friend, and they could have remained best friends.

Dana White via Zuffa Boxing

The rivalry between Dana White and Eddie Hearn has escalated, with both challenging each other over boxing fights and promotional control. The dispute has moved beyond disagreements into personal exchanges over influence. However, White has claimed both promoters are too old and do not deserve to be on the same card as top fighters. The situation highlights the intensity of their ongoing conflict.

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