Dana White has insisted he has “no issues” with Eddie Hearn after UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall signed a business deal with the Matchroom Talent Agency. The new venture, run by boxing promoter Hearn, will provide Aspinall with professional representation while he remains contracted to compete in the UFC.
Aspinall continues to fight under the UFC banner but will now receive guidance from Hearn’s agency. The partnership comes despite the broader rivalry between White’s Zuffa Boxing and Hearn’s Matchroom. Speaking at the UFC 326 news conference, White made it clear that the arrangement does not concern him.
“We don’t have any issues with Eddie,” White said. “They can get whoever they want to represent them. Tito Ortiz used to represent people, and we got it done.”
White also addressed recent discussion surrounding Aspinall’s eye injury. The champion was sidelined for 14 months while pursuing a fight with Jon Jones that ultimately never materialized. His interim heavyweight title was later upgraded to full champion status after Jones retired.
Aspinall’s return to action against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest when he was unable to continue due to accidental eye pokes. White said he has not personally spoken to Aspinall since the fighter underwent surgery on both eyes last month but rejected claims that he had questioned the legitimacy of the injury.
According to White, he has always respected Aspinall and expects the heavyweight champion to return to competition once he has fully recovered. Aspinall has not set a timeline for his comeback, though he has previously expressed interest in a rematch with Gane.
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