Eddie Hearn Plays the Latest Move Against Dana White By Signing Ian Garry to Matchroom Talent Agency

UFC welterweight title challenger Ian Garry signs a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency.

Eddie Hearn Plays the Latest Move Against Dana White By Signing Ian Garry to Matchroom Talent Agency

Eddie Hearn signs Ian Garry to Matchroom (via X)

Eddie Hearn has spent nearly 26 years in sports promotion and athlete management across combat sports. His leadership built Matchroom Boxing into a major force in global boxing promotion. For much of his career, he faced limited top-level competition until Dana White entered the boxing world through Zuffa Boxing. As rivalry grows, Hearn has now signed UFC welterweight Ian Garry to his Talent Agency.

Garry entered the UFC in 2021 and quickly built an impressive eight-fight win streak across the welterweight division. His rise was marked by consistent performances that pushed him into the conversation as a contender. However, his momentum was halted when he faced Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. He later rebounded strongly with back-to-back wins over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad.

Those wins earned Garry a welterweight title shot as he prepares to take on champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. The bout marks his first UFC title opportunity in the UFC. Alongside his fighting success, Garry signed with Matchroom Talent Agency, led by Hearn. The agreement covers the Irish star’s commercial representation, including marketing and sponsorships, while his UFC contract remains unchanged.

Garry is not the only UFC fighter signed to Matchroom Talent Agency. Hearn previously also signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, expanding Matchroom’s MMA presence. He has criticized Dana White’s UFC model, calling its fighter contracts restrictive and low-compensation. The Matchroom chairman has also recently suggested Aspinall should be released from his UFC contract.

The rivalry began when White entered boxing with Zuffa Boxing. He aimed to modernize the sport and simplify its structure for fans. This created direct competition with established promoters like Hearn. Early tension increased with cross-promotional signings. One key move was signing Matchroom welterweight Conor Benn for an initial $15 million deal. That agreement later developed into a multi-fight contract.

The rivalry between Eddie Hearn and Dana White continues across boxing and MMA promotion. White recently indirectly criticized Tom Aspinall’s Matchroom contract situation. Aspinall has also remained at odds with the UFC after his UFC 321 eye poke incident. While Ian Garry is now set for a welterweight title shot, his partnership with the Matchroom Talent Agency could put him under scrutiny with the UFC.

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Eddie Hearn clarifies the doubts regarding his relationship with Matchroom superstar

Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn began working together in 2013 after the heavyweight turned professional. Hearn quickly backed him as a long-term heavyweight project following his 2012 Olympic gold medal. Joshua rose rapidly through early stoppage wins and unified the heavyweight titles in 2018 under Matchroom. Their partnership was extended in 2021 with a long-term promotional agreement.

Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn together
Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn together (Image via Instagram/@eddiehearn)

Joshua recently signed with CAA Sports for management while remaining promoted by Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The structure separates management from promotional responsibilities under boxing regulations. Dana White questioned why Hearn did not manage Joshua directly, criticizing the setup. This prompted Hearn to clarify that promoters are not legally allowed to act as managers in boxing.

The big question from Dana, which baffled me because he just doesn’t understand, he’s like, ‘Why didn’t Eddie Hearn sign him on a management deal?’ Because it’s illegal. You can’t be a manager and a promoter. It’s illegal under the Muhammad Ali Act. I’m not risking any of that.

Eddie Hearn via The Ariel Helwani Show

Anthony Joshua is now preparing for his upcoming fight against Kristian Prenga as he continues his return to the heavyweight scene. However, the long-term focus remains on a potential superfight against Tyson Fury. That matchup is reportedly being targeted for the final quarter of 2026. Eddie Hearn will play a major role in managing the promotion and commercial build-up for Joshua’s upcoming fights.

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