Dana White said he does not object to fighters selecting their own representatives after Tom Aspinall revealed a new partnership with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
The UFC heavyweight champion announced that he has agreed to work with Matchroom Talent Agency, the management company connected to Hearn. The arrangement places the British promoter in charge of guiding commercial opportunities and advising on business decisions related to Aspinall’s career.
Although White and Hearn have exchanged criticism in recent interviews, the UFC executive made it clear that the situation will not affect the organization’s relationship with the champion.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of UFC 326, White explained that athletes have always been free to choose who speaks for them in negotiations.
“We don’t have any issues with Eddie,” White said during the UFC 326 pre-fight press conference. “They can get whoever they want to represent them. Tito Ortiz used to represent people and we got it done.”
Dana White says he doesn’t care about Tom Aspinall signing to Eddie Hearn’s agency:
“Tito Ortiz used to represent people and we got it done.” 😭
(via @ufc) pic.twitter.com/SXKMnPovfQ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 6, 2026
Aspinall explains his decision
Aspinall said the agreement is designed to strengthen the financial side of his career. For most of his time in professional fighting he relied on a small group of advisors, but he now believes adding an experienced promoter can open additional opportunities.
“I have signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom on a commercial advisory deal,” Aspinall said. “We’ve done most of my career with the really small team that I’ve got but I wanted to add to my value. Eddie’s someone that I’ve known for a fair bit, I trust Eddie and I want to make as much money and grow commercially as much as possible while I’m fighting. Obviously, we’re still recovering but I’m looking to get back in there as soon as possible.”
The agreement focuses on business development rather than changing where Aspinall competes. His fighting career remains with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
At the moment Aspinall is concentrating on medical recovery.
His last appearance came in October when he faced Ciryl Gane in a heavyweight title contest. The bout ended almost immediately after an accidental eye poke caused serious damage, forcing officials to halt the fight in the opening round.
Following that incident, Aspinall underwent surgical procedures on both eyes. Doctors performed the operations to repair the injury and protect his long term vision. Because of the healing process, no return date has been confirmed.
The involvement of Hearn brings attention to the public disagreements that developed between him and White in recent years.
Their relationship became tense when discussions about Zuffa Boxing began. As the UFC explored the boxing market, both promoters exchanged strong comments in interviews.
Another moment that fueled the dispute occurred when boxer Conor Benn moved away from Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and aligned with the UFC side.
White emphasized that the identity of a fighter’s manager has never prevented the promotion from making bouts. He pointed to the history with former champion Tito Ortiz as an example of how business discussions can still move forward even after difficult relationships in the past.
