Eddie Hearn Slams Tom Aspinall's 'Disgraceful' UFC Contract

Hearn argues Aspinall's deal does not reflect the fighter's commercial value and potential earnings

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a UFC heavyweight title fight, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the complex dynamics and high stakes involved.As tensions over fighter pay escalate in the UFC, a conceptual illustration captures the fractured perspectives and high stakes of a heavyweight title bout.Denver Today

Eddie Hearn, the representative of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, has sharply criticized the fighter's contract with the promotion, calling it a 'disgrace' and arguing that it does not adequately compensate Aspinall given his rising star power and the revenue potential of his future fights.

Why it matters

Hearn's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between UFC fighters and the promotion over fair compensation, an issue that has long been a point of contention in the sport of mixed martial arts.

The details

Hearn expressed frustration with the UFC's compensation structure, stating that Aspinall's contract terms do not reflect the commercial value of potential matchups against top contenders like Alex Pereira or a rematch with Ciryl Gane. Despite Aspinall's eye injury that led to a no-contest in his previous title defense, Hearn suggests the fighter would be wise to avoid taking calls from the UFC due to the unfavorable financial implications of his current deal.

  • Aspinall is preparing for his next UFC bout following a controversial no-contest in his previous title defense.

The players

Eddie Hearn

The outspoken representative of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Tom Aspinall

The UFC's heavyweight champion who is dealing with the aftermath of a controversial no-contest in his previous title defense.

Alex Pereira

A top contender in the UFC heavyweight division.

Ciryl Gane

A former UFC heavyweight champion who could potentially face Aspinall in a rematch.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Hearn's criticism of Aspinall's UFC contract highlights the ongoing tensions between fighters and the promotion over fair compensation, an issue that has long been a point of contention in the sport of mixed martial arts. As the sport continues to evolve, addressing these concerns will be crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of the UFC and the fighters who make it their livelihood.