UFC Champ Aspinall Signs with Matchroom, Sees Big Earning Potential

Tom Aspinall aligns with Eddie Hearn's agency, says UFC contract 'like I told them a joke'

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency, hoping to maximize his earning potential outside the Octagon. Aspinall, who is recovering from eye injuries, said Hearn and Matchroom were 'just giggling' when looking at his UFC contract, indicating he believes he can make significantly more money with their help.

Why it matters

Aspinall's move to Matchroom comes at a time of increasing tension between the UFC and boxing promoters like Hearn, with Zuffa Boxing signing high-profile boxers like Conor Benn. The champion's decision to align with Hearn could be seen as a counterpunch against the UFC, though Aspinall insists his focus remains solely on his MMA career.

The details

Aspinall, 32, has been sidelined since October 2025 due to eye injuries suffered in a no-contest against Ciryl Gane. While recovering, he surprised many by signing with Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency, explaining he felt an instant connection and trust with Hearn and the team. Aspinall said his earning potential is much higher outside the UFC, though he acknowledged fighters 'signed up for' the UFC's lower pay compared to boxing.

  • Aspinall suffered eye injuries in October 2025 in a no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.
  • Aspinall signed with Matchroom Talent Agency in March 2026.

The players

Tom Aspinall

The UFC heavyweight champion who has signed with Matchroom Talent Agency to potentially increase his earning potential outside the Octagon.

Eddie Hearn

The CEO of Matchroom Sport, a prominent boxing promoter who has signed Aspinall to his Matchroom Talent Agency.

Frank Smith

The CEO of Matchroom, who Aspinall says he instantly clicked with along with Hearn.

Dana White

The UFC President, who is engaged in a public feud with Hearn and Matchroom over the increasing crossover between boxing and MMA.

Michael Bisping

The UFC Hall of Famer and friend of Aspinall's who has voiced concerns that Aspinall is being used as a 'pawn' in the promotional rivalry between Hearn and White.

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What they’re saying

“Something about Eddie, and something about [Matchroom CEO] Frank [Smith] and the whole team — just sometimes when you look across from somebody and spend real time with them, you just get a good feeling from them. And those are definitely my kind of people. I just feel like instantly we were on the same wavelength. Instantly, the trust was there.”

— Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion (The Ariel Helwani Show)

“When [Hearn and Smith] were looking through my contract, they were just giggling. It's like I told them a joke or something. But like I said, that's what we signed up for. It's not anybody else's fault. That's exactly what we signed up for as UFC fighters. I ain't complaining about it. I just want to make as much money as I can while I'm here.”

— Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion (The Ariel Helwani Show)

What’s next

Aspinall is still recovering from his eye injuries and has not yet been medically cleared to return to full training, but he is confident he will compete again in 2026.

The takeaway

Aspinall's move to Matchroom highlights the ongoing tension between the UFC and boxing promoters over fighter pay and the potential for crossover opportunities. While Aspinall remains focused on his MMA career, his decision to align with Hearn suggests he believes he can maximize his earning potential outside the Octagon.