UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has joined Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and a new talent agency in a stunning move.
Just weeks after Hearn lost star fighter Conor Benn to UFC chief Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, Matchroom has struck back by signing the Briton in a new venture for the organisation.
A return date for Aspinall has not been set, though the intention is to continue fighting in the UFC with Hearn maintaining that a crossover to boxing is “not on the short-term agenda for sure” and that he is purely in a “commercial” and “advisory” capacity.
The move could be seen as a blow to White and his public feud with the British promoter, given the pending negotiations for his return to the octagon and Hearn’s role in his future.
Hearn said in a statement: “Welcome to the team UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall. Time to get what’s yours. I look at you, you're one of the biggest stars in global fight sports. Time to build that profile.
“We need to get him back, not back to the top, because guess what, he is at the top, you're the UFC heavyweight champion, it doesn't get any bigger than that.”
Aspinall added: “I’m really excited to welcome Eddie [Hearn] and the Matchroom Sport group in a commercial and advisory role, and to become the first athlete to join the new Matchroom Talent Agency.
“Eddie has built one of the biggest brands in sport and understands how to take athletes to the next level, both inside and outside of competition.“I’m really looking forward to working together and exploring some exciting opportunities as I continue my journey back into the cage.”
Aspinall has returned to training four months after he suffered a severe eye injury in the UFC cage, a no-contest in round one against Ciryl Gane.
The Briton was quickly taken to hospital in Abu Dhabi, where the bout played out, and he is still suffering the effects of the injury. Aspinall underwent a second operation to try to improve his vision, having undergone initial surgery over the Christmas period and now enters a new chapter in his career alongside Hearn.
While Hearn added that Aspinall has taken him back to his roots, stating: “I started my professional career in athlete management and over the past 30 years, I have built a wealth of experience in building global superstars. We believe in partnership and transparency with our clients but, most importantly, always delivering exceptional and innovative work. Grounded in honesty and fierce commitment, Matchroom Talent Agency is about transforming careers through relentless ambition and telling it straight.
"At the heart of everything we’ve done as a business over the last 40 years is identifying ordinary people, who have extraordinary talent. It has become a guiding principle to seek out people who are humble but heroic in equal measure. Their journey is our journey. Their triumph, our purpose. UFC world heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is the perfect embodiment of that – and he is the ideal, inaugural member of our team.
“We believe in creating opportunities where others see obstacles in turning potential into greatness. So, the message is loud and clear to all: Join us on this journey. We are officially open for business."
Dana White reveals Eddie Hearn’s biggest mistake that led to Conor Benn signing for Zuffa Boxing
Boxing’s civil war has truly begun, and it is already getting ugly
Conor Benn’s Zuffa Boxing contract details confirmed after shock Matchroom exit
Dana White reveals Eddie Hearn’s biggest mistake after signing Conor Benn
Alex Pereira shockingly vacates UFC title to spark heavyweight rumours
Boxing’s civil war has truly begun, and it is already getting ugly
