Eddie Hearn has publicly called on Dana White to release UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall from his UFC contract, proposing a dramatic pay increase and a resolution to Conor Benn’s legal situation in return.
Hearn, who has signed Aspinall to a talent agency contract, linked his proposal to White’s recent comments after Conor Benn signed with Zuffa. “One thing that’s actually stuck out with me from his comments is when Conor Benn signed with Zuffa,” Hearn said.
“He said, ‘Eddie should want fighters to earn as much as possible.’ Right? Do you remember that? ‘He should be happy for Conor Benn, that he’s making more money.’ So I’ve been thinking about that line, and I think that I’ve got an idea. I would like Dana White to release Tom Aspinall from his UFC contract, and I will guarantee Dana White, in writing, that I will pay Tom Aspinall a minimum — probably five times more — but a minimum of three times more what Dana White is paying him. And I think for a hardworking, working class man that deserves every penny he can get because of what he puts his body through, and we’ve seen that recently, that Dana White should be happy for Tom Aspinall to receive that deal. So I would like to propose that.”
Hearn also tied the proposal to the ongoing Conor Benn legal issues, claiming Benn borrowed more than $400,000 against his purse for a planned October 2022 fight with Chris Eubank that did not happen after Benn failed two drug tests. “I’ll trade that up. I’ll walk away from all their problems they’ve got on the Conor Benn legal situation if they release Tom Aspinall,” Hearn said.
