Dana White: ‘No problems’ with Hearn following Aspinall transaction
Dana White stated he has “no issues” regarding Tom Aspinall’s business agreement with Eddie Hearn and refuted any claims of questioning his champion’s eye injury.
UFC heavyweight champion Aspinall (15-3) has signed a contract with Matchroom Talent Agency, a new venture led by boxing promoter Hearn.
Aspinall remains under contract with the UFC but can now seek professional guidance from Hearn, who has become a competitor to White’s Zuffa Boxing.
Zuffa recently signed Conor Benn, who had previously spent his entire professional boxing career with Matchroom, which left Hearn dissatisfied.
White responded to Aspinall’s decision to include Hearn in his circle during the UFC 326 news conference, stating: “We don’t have any issues with Eddie.”
“They can choose whoever they want to represent them. Tito Ortiz [the former UFC fighter with whom White had a dispute] used to represent fighters, and we managed to work things out.”
Dana White denies questioning Tom Aspinall injury
Aspinall was sidelined for 14 months while hoping for a matchup with Jon Jones, which ultimately did not materialize.
His interim heavyweight title was elevated to full champion status outside the Octagon following Jones’ retirement, but his return against Ciryl Gane ended poorly.
The bout was declared a no-contest when Aspinall was unable to proceed due to accidental eye pokes.
White has not communicated with Aspinall since he underwent surgery on both eyes last month but denied ever doubting the seriousness of his injuries.
“The organization has been in contact with him. I haven’t spoken to him. Tom and I clearly need to have a conversation,” White told Piers Morgan Uncensored. “Tom recently expressed that he and his father felt I had disrespected them regarding my comments about his eye injury, which was absolutely not my intention.
“Tom Aspinall is someone I hold in high regard. He is a pleasure to work with. I have never questioned his injury or spoken negatively about him. I mentioned: ‘I think he is OK, I believe he will recover.’ They responded: ‘No, that’s not the case.’ He stated: ‘I haven’t spoken to Dana, I don’t understand why he would say that.’ But clearly, my medical team is in communication with him. That was my understanding.
“They believed I had criticized him in some manner, which I absolutely have not and would never do. I have a lot of respect for him. I’ve never had an issue with Tom Aspinall. He is still addressing whatever is happening with his eyes. Over the past 30 years in this industry, I have witnessed injuries that I have questioned whether individuals could return from. And they always have, including eye pokes.
“If you were to ask me: ‘Do I believe Tom Aspinall will fight again?’ I would respond: ‘Yes.’
Aspinall does not have a specific timeline for his return. He has previously indicated a desire for a rematch with Gane.
