Eddie Hearn requests UFC release Tom Aspinall, offers to drop Conor Benn legal action
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has called on UFC president Dana White to release heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall from his contract, stating Aspinall is not being paid his worth. Hearn, who signed Aspinall to a commercial and advisory deal with his talent agency in March, is prepared to offer significantly higher earnings if the UFC allows the fighter to leave. Hearn also stated he would drop planned legal action over Conor Benn’s departure to White’s Zuffa Boxing company if Aspinall is released. Aspinall remains under contract with the UFC and is one of its biggest stars, but has been sidelined by eye problems following a title fight with Ciryl Gane last October, requiring double eye surgery in February. There is no indication the UFC would consider releasing Aspinall, but Hearn’s remarks have added to the ongoing debate around fighter pay in MMA. Hearn and White have been publicly feuding since the launch of Zuffa Boxing, and Aspinall became part of the dispute when Hearn suggested White “humiliated” him over the eye controversy.
What’s reported
Eddie Hearn called on UFC president Dana White to release Tom Aspinall from his contract.
Hearn said Aspinall is not being paid his worth.
Aspinall signed a “commercial and advisory” deal with Hearn’s talent agency in March.
Hearn is prepared to offer higher earnings if the UFC allows Aspinall to leave.
Hearn is willing to drop planned legal action over Conor Benn’s departure if Aspinall is released.
Hearn stated: “I’ll walk away from all their problems they’ve got on the Conor Benn legal situation if they release Tom Aspinall.”
Aspinall remains under contract with the UFC and is one of its biggest stars.
Aspinall had double eye surgery in February after repeated eye pokes in his title fight with Ciryl Gane last October.
It is not yet certain when Aspinall will return to action.
Hearn has been publicly feuding with White since the launch of Zuffa Boxing.
Open questions
Whether Aspinall would fight in boxing or MMA if released from the UFC.
When Aspinall will be able to return from eye surgery.
Whether the UFC will consider releasing Aspinall.
Key figures
Eddie Hearn – boxing promoter, Matchroom chairman
Dana White – UFC president
Tom Aspinall – UFC heavyweight champion
Conor Benn – boxer
Ciryl Gane – fighter, Aspinall’s opponent in last October’s title fight
Sources: BBC News
