At the Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili press conference at Croke Park, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn revealed he would advise UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall not to compete under the terms of his existing contract. Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Hearn argued that Aspinall’s current deal offers “one fiftieth of the revenue” for a potential rematch against either Alex Pereira or Ciryl Gane, and insisted he would block any return fight unless the champion receives a new agreement.
Hearn condemns UFC pay structure for heavyweight title rematch
Since signing Aspinall to his newly formed Matchroom Talent Agency in February, Hearn has repeatedly clashed with UFC CEO Dana White over fighter compensation. He described the contract Aspinall is bound by as “one of the worst in elite sports” and said it was “outrageous” that his client could be offered so little for a bout deemed one of the biggest in the heavyweight division.
“To be involved in a fight against [Alex] Pereira or [Ciryl] Gane for literally one fiftieth of the revenue for that show? F— that, I won’t let him do it,” Hearn told Bloody Elbow. He went on to state that UFC fighters must “stop being mugs” and recognise the promotion is exploiting them, contrasting the pay for UFC athletes with the sums paid to boxers.
Ongoing feud with Dana White shapes Aspinall’s future
Hearn and White have been at odds for much of this year, with Aspinall positioned at the centre of their dispute. Calls have even been made for the UFC to release Aspinall from his contract amid the public back-and-forth. At Croke Park, Hearn reiterated that he would do “everything I can to not allow” Aspinall to fight under his current deal, warning fans they would be “sick to their stomach” if they saw the numbers on offer.
He noted Aspinall’s resilience, referencing the four eye surgeries the heavyweight has endured, and argued that the champion should not risk further injury for what amounts to “virtually nothing” under the existing terms.
What this means for Aspinall and the heavyweight division
By refusing to sanction any fight outside a renegotiated contract, Hearn has applied fresh pressure on the UFC to improve its pay structure. While no dates or opponents have been officially confirmed beyond the previously scheduled Pereira vs. Gane co-main event, the standoff highlights growing tensions over fighter earnings at the top level of the sport.
For Aspinall, the move represents a strategic gamble: leveraging public criticism of his pay scale to seek better terms, while potentially delaying his return to the octagon. Whether the UFC will respond with a revised offer remains to be seen.
As the heavyweight champion and his new management navigate this dispute, the resolution could have broader implications for contract negotiations across the roster and the bargaining power of elite fighters.
FAQ
What did Eddie Hearn say about Tom Aspinall’s UFC contract?
Eddie Hearn told Bloody Elbow he would advise Tom Aspinall not to fight under his current UFC contract, arguing that the pay on offer for a rematch against Alex Pereira or Ciryl Gane was far too low.
Why has Aspinall’s pay become an issue?
Hearn criticised the UFC’s pay structure, stating it offers only a tiny fraction of event revenue to the fighter, despite heavyweight title fights being among the organisation’s most lucrative showcases.
Which opponents did Hearn mention for Aspinall?
Hearn specifically referred to a potential unification bout or rematch against either Alex Pereira or Ciryl Gane, who headlined the UFC White House co-main event.
How have Dana White and the UFC responded?
The source material notes an ongoing feud between Eddie Hearn and Dana White over fighter pay, but does not detail any specific response from White or the UFC to Hearn’s comments.
