Eddie Hearn calls on UFC to release Tom Aspinall, offers triple pay

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn has publicly demanded UFC president Dana White release heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall from his contract, claiming the Manchester fighter is underpaid and could earn at least three times more elsewhere.

Hearn, who signed Aspinall to a commercial and advisory deal through his talent agency in March, told reporters he would put the pay increase in writing if the UFC let Aspinall walk. "I will, in writing, it will be five or six times more money he'll be making, but I will put in writing that Tom Aspinall will make a minimum of three times more than he will under his current contract," Hearn said, as reported by BBC Sport.

Hearn offers to drop Benn lawsuit in exchange for Aspinall release

The 46-year-old promoter sweetened the proposal by offering to drop planned legal action over Conor Benn's departure to White's Zuffa Boxing if the UFC agrees to release Aspinall. Hearn previously called Benn's exit a "dagger in the heart" and has been publicly feuding with White since Zuffa Boxing launched. "I'll walk away from all their problems they've got on the Conor Benn legal situation if they release Tom Aspinall," Hearn added. He framed the demand as White doing right by a fighter, saying the UFC president should "be happy for Tom Aspinall, who is extremely unhappy" and allow him to earn more for his family.

Aspinall, 33, remains under UFC contract and is one of the promotion's biggest heavyweight draws, with seven of his eight wins ending in the first round. The interim champion has been sidelined since his October title fight with Ciryl Gane was stopped due to repeated eye pokes. He underwent double eye surgery in February and has no confirmed return date.

There is no indication the UFC would consider releasing Aspinall, but Hearn's remarks have reignited debate around fighter pay in MMA. The two promoters have been at odds since Hearn signed Aspinall and later accused White of humiliating the fighter by not backing him after the eye controversy. No timeline has been announced for Aspinall's return to the octagon.

Source: bbc.com