Dana White expresses confusion over Eddie Hearn-Tom Aspinall agreement; shows lack of admiration for boxing promoters.
LONDON — Dana White has expressed that he “doesn’t understand” Eddie Hearn’s decision to sign UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to the newly established Matchroom Talent Agency, stating that he has experienced “less than nothing” from boxing promoters since entering the sport.
Aspinall joined Matchroom promoter Hearn earlier this month, allowing him to continue competing in the UFC while Hearn and Matchroom manage his business and commercial endeavors.
This development followed White and his promotion Zuffa Boxing signing one of Matchroom’s top talents, Conor Benn, to a lucrative one-fight agreement, which Hearn described as “devastating.”
In light of the ongoing exchanges between the two, White has now raised questions about Hearn’s foray into the MMA landscape.
“I don’t know what the rationale was [for the move],” White told reporters after UFC London on Saturday.
“Eddie was previously stating, ‘Ah, I look forward to competing with them [Zuffa boxing].
“And there are aspects they are unaware of in boxing that they will come to learn.’ Then, two weeks later, he becomes an MMA manager. I don’t comprehend the decision.”
When asked about the negotiations between the UFC and Hearn, White expressed confidence that it would not impact the company’s ability to schedule Aspinall’s next fight.
He was also notably straightforward regarding the potential challenges posed by figures like Frank Warren and other promoters to Zuffa boxing, admitting he has been “disappointed” thus far and offering a critical view of the current state of the sport.
“We’ve encountered some f—ing beauties over the last 25 years. I can assure you of that,” White stated.
“Eddie Hearn will be no exception. It doesn’t matter who the managers are. It is irrelevant. We will finalize deals with individuals.
“Anyone out there who wishes to compete. I thrive on competition. To be honest, I haven’t seen anything from anyone yet in the boxing industry.
“I’ve witnessed less than nothing from these individuals. And during the last press conference I held after the most recent boxing match, it has been quite disappointing, to be frank.
“I anticipated much more. However, when you consider the condition of the boxing industry, I suppose it isn’t that surprising.”
Since Hearn and Aspinall reached an agreement, the British promoter has been vocal about the ongoing issues regarding UFC fighter compensation, and after a Matchroom event over the weekend, Hearn commented on one of the major narratives in MMA.
“They [Jon Jones and Aspinall] are under contract. If they weren’t under contract, I could arrange Aspinall against Jon Jones, and I would likely pay them double what the UFC offered.”
His remarks followed Jon Jones stating that he was “ready, willing and physically able to step in” to fight on the UFC’s Freedom 250 White House card in June, but felt the financial offer was inadequate.
White addressed those comments himself in London when questioned by ESPN, reiterating his belief that Jones was never going to be part of the largest card in the company’s history, despite acknowledging that negotiations had occurred.
“Jon Jones was never fighting on the White House card. How many f—ing times do I have to say this? He was never fighting on the White House card,” White asserted.
“I literally conducted two press conferences discussing this. These individuals [matchmakers] went out, identified everything they believed was available and feasible. Then I selected the fights.
“There was no way in hell I was including him on the card. Regardless of the financial aspect. Jon Jones was never going to fight on the White House card.”
