Michael Bisping fires back at Eddie Hearn over UFC pay criticism

Michael Bisping says Eddie Hearn is out of line.

The boxing promoter and Matchroom chairman has spent recent weeks criticizing the UFC over fighter pay, specifically targeting what his newest client — UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall — earns. Hearn told The Ariel Helwani Show last week that Bisping, now a UFC broadcaster, is 'on the payroll' and lacks the backbone to speak honestly about compensation. According to MMA Mania, Hearn challenged the former middleweight champion to a public debate, saying Bisping 'should be ashamed' for not backing Aspinall's push for more money ahead of a potential rematch with Ciryl Gane.

Bisping offers to meet Hearn face-to-face in London

Bisping responded on his podcast by dismissing the idea of an online debate but offering to sit down with Hearn in person next time he's in the UK. 'Let's see if he keeps the same energy,' Bisping said, per the report. He denied ever opposing higher pay for Aspinall or any fighter, adding that his original comments were about the timing of Hearn's involvement and uncertainty around Aspinall's return from the eye injury he suffered against Gane last October. 'I hope Tom Aspinall gets paid sh*tloads,' Bisping said. 'I hope you can go out there and get him a contract for $30 million per fight. What the f*ck are you talking about, Eddie?'

Bisping called Hearn's criticism 'absolute horse sh*t' and insisted he cares deeply about fighters. Hearn had claimed there was $60 million in the pot for the Gane rematch and that Aspinall was being offered just three percent. Aspinall has since been cleared to return to sparring and is targeting a comeback later this year, with the Gane fight still the most likely booking.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Michael Bisping Fires Back At Eddie Hearn Over UFC Pay | MMA Mania