Aspinall Signs with Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has announced a new partnership with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency, joining on a "commercial and advisory" basis rather than a promotional contract. This arrangement allows the 32-year-old fighter to remain under contract with the UFC while seeking to enhance his earnings outside the octagon.
The move follows closely on the heels of boxer Conor Benn's departure from Hearn's promotional company Matchroom to join Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, securing a reported £11 million one-fight deal. Aspinall cited Benn's lucrative agreement as a motivating factor in his decision to collaborate with Hearn.
Financial Disparities Between MMA and Boxing
Aspinall addressed the significant pay gap between MMA fighters and boxers, highlighting the disparity as a reason to explore additional commercial opportunities.
"I think if one guy gets $15m [£11m] and the other guy gets $15k [£11,000], that's a big deal to make, which is part of the reason I want to explore other options," Aspinall said during a news conference on Friday.
"I want to be a trailblazer for MMA fighters who can make a lot of money and be successful outside the octagon as well as inside.
"Publicly or privately, a lot of MMA fighters complain about the money we're getting paid, but that's the contract we all signed. I've accepted that and I want to make as much money outside the octagon as I possibly can."
Hearn’s Role as Manager
Eddie Hearn described his role as Aspinall's manager, emphasizing his focus on building the fighter's commercial profile.
"I see myself as Tom's manager," Hearn stated. "My role is to build Tom commercially."
Despite the new partnership, Aspinall has ruled out immediate participation in boxing, as his UFC contract prohibits competing in other combat sports without permission.
Hearn elaborated on his plans for Aspinall's career development:
"Now's about moving forward with Tom, building him commercially, growing his profile, building that relationship with brands and fans.
"And also making sure he gets what he absolutely deserves with the commercial power he has as a fighter."
Relationship with UFC and Dana White
Hearn, 46, has had a public dispute with UFC president Dana White since the launch of Zuffa Boxing, but he assured that this would not impact Aspinall's relationship with the UFC.
Aspinall has been recovering from eye injuries sustained during his title fight with Ciryl Gane last October, which was halted due to repeated eye pokes. He underwent double eye surgery in February, and his return to competition remains uncertain.
The fighter became involved in the ongoing Matchroom-Zuffa Boxing conflict when Hearn criticized White for not supporting Aspinall amid the eye injury controversy.
"If they make life difficult for Tom, what kind of organisation are they? They're going to make life difficult because he's signed with a manager?" Hearn questioned.
"Ultimately we're going to be a lot easier to deal with than a lot of the managers he has to deal with, but Tom was in a position where he needed representation at a high level, respect, and a voice to be heard."
White responded to the Aspinall-Hearn deal by stating he has "no issues" with Hearn and affirmed fighters can choose their representation freely.
Strategic Shift in Management
Aspinall, who has achieved eight UFC wins all by stoppage, previously had a small management team led by his father, Andy. Partnering with Hearn marks a significant strategic change aimed at enhancing his commercial prospects and negotiating improved fight contracts with the UFC.
Hearn expressed high regard for Aspinall's talent and potential, questioning why the fighter has not yet reached greater stardom within the UFC.
"How is this guy not an even bigger star? How does he not have the backing? How is he not respected in certain rooms in the way that he should be," Hearn remarked.
Future Plans and Recovery
Aspinall did not specify a timeline for his return following eye surgery but indicated his intention to compete as soon as possible.
"Obviously it has to be done at the right time and these guys have come on board at the right time," Aspinall said.
"I feel like I'm ready to move to the next step in terms of commercial value and stuff like that and I'm motivated to do my thing."
