TLDR
- Eddie Hearn launched Matchroom Talent Agency with Tom Aspinall as the first signing
- Hearn expressed shock at Aspinall’s UFC compensation compared to boxing purses
- The deal is commercial and advisory only, with UFC maintaining control over Aspinall’s fighting career
- Aspinall underwent double eye surgery in February and return date remains uncertain
- The signing comes two weeks after Conor Benn left Hearn to join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing
Sources: AOL | Middle Easy | Hey Not The Face
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed shock at the compensation UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall receives after reviewing the fighter’s contract details. The revelation came as Hearn announced Aspinall as the first signing to his newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency.
Hearn’s surprise highlights the stark pay differences between boxing and mixed martial arts. Boxer Conor Benn is set to earn a reported £11 million for his upcoming fight against Regis Prograis in April, while UFC champions typically receive much smaller purses.
The 32-year-old Aspinall signed a commercial and advisory deal with Hearn’s agency, though he remains under contract with the UFC. The arrangement allows Hearn to manage Aspinall’s brand and explore opportunities outside the cage while the UFC maintains control over his fighting career.
🚨 Tom Aspinall just announced that he has signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency 👀
(via @EddieHearn) pic.twitter.com/CsVf6KJ96v
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 5, 2026
New Agency Launch After Benn Departure
The agency launch comes two weeks after Conor Benn left Hearn’s Matchroom promotional outfit to join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. Hearn described the new Matchroom Talent Agency as focused on nurturing athletes’ careers and building their reputations.
“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,” Aspinall said about joining the agency. “I’m really looking forward to working together and exploring some exciting opportunities as I continue my journey back into the cage.”
Hearn praised his new client, calling Aspinall “the perfect embodiment” of identifying ordinary people with extraordinary talent. The fighter has dominated the UFC heavyweight division with seven of his eight wins ending in the first round.
Aspinall’s relationship with UFC president Dana White has been strained recently. The champion expressed frustration after feeling the UFC didn’t fully support him following an eye-poke controversy in his October title fight against Ciryl Gane.
Fighter Dealing With Eye Injury
The title bout had to be stopped due to repeated eye pokes, leading to double eye surgery for Aspinall in February. It remains unclear when the British fighter will be able to return to the octagon.
Hearn has been publicly feuding with White since launching Zuffa Boxing and previously suggested White “humiliated” Aspinall by not backing him after the eye controversy. The signing of Aspinall represents a clear counter-move after losing Benn to White’s boxing promotion.
UFC fighters can work with independent managers and advisers outside of the promotion’s control. Francis Ngannou famously left the UFC as reigning heavyweight champion after his agent negotiated for higher pay, later earning millions in two boxing matches.
The key difference in Aspinall’s deal is that it’s commercial and advisory rather than promotional. The UFC maintains rights over his fighting career and image use, limiting what Hearn can directly negotiate.
Aspinall became UFC heavyweight champion in 2023 and has emerged as the division’s standout performer. His father and coach Andy Aspinall has suggested his son may pursue boxing in the future, though his current UFC contract prohibits fighting in other combat sports without permission.
