UFC Champion Tom Aspinall Signs with Eddie Hearn's New Agency

Dana White says he's not bothered by the move, citing his history of working with difficult managers

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has signed with Eddie Hearn's new talent agency, a move that has drawn attention given the history between Hearn and UFC president Dana White. However, White says he's not concerned about working with Hearn, noting he's dealt with far more difficult managers in the past.

Why it matters

The signing of Aspinall by Hearn, a longtime rival of White's in the boxing world, highlights the ongoing tensions between the UFC and the boxing industry. However, White's relaxed response suggests he is confident in his ability to work with various managers and agents, even those with whom he has had previous conflicts.

The details

Hearn had announced earlier that he was launching a new talent agency, and Aspinall would be its first client. The two were once on good terms, often meeting up in Las Vegas and London, but that changed when White moved into boxing. Things got even more tense after Zuffa Boxing signed Conor Benn away from Matchroom. Despite the history, White says he's not worried about working with Hearn or Aspinall's new representation.

  • On March 6, 2026, Eddie Hearn announced he was launching a new talent agency and that UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall would be its first client.
  • At the UFC 326 pre-fight press conference, Dana White was asked about Aspinall's decision to sign with Hearn's new agency.

The players

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who has a history of rivalry with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.

Eddie Hearn

A boxing promoter who has launched a new talent agency, with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as its first client.

Tom Aspinall

The current UFC heavyweight champion who has signed with Eddie Hearn's new talent agency.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have any issues with Eddie. They can get whoever they want to represent them – Tito Ortiz used to represent people and we got it done!”

— Dana White, UFC President (The Mac Life)

“That was absolutely positively not the case, Tom Aspinall is a guy that I respect, he's been great to work with, never once did I question his injury or speak negatively about him. I said 'I think he's okay, and I think he's going to be good' and they came out and said 'no that is not the case'.”

— Dana White, UFC President (Piers Morgan Uncensored)

What’s next

The UFC and Eddie Hearn's new agency will likely need to navigate their working relationship as they continue to compete in the combat sports landscape.

The takeaway

Despite the history of tension between Dana White and Eddie Hearn, White appears confident in his ability to work with various managers and agents, even those he has previously clashed with. This suggests the UFC is focused on maintaining positive relationships with its fighters and their representatives, regardless of outside affiliations.