Dana White insists he has no problem with Tom Aspinall despite the former UFC heavyweight champion vacating his title following another setback with his injured right eye.
Aspinall originally suffered the injury during his fight with Ciryl Gane in October 2025 and later aggravated the eye again while preparing to return. Gane has since been elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion.
“This guy knows he’s injured, he’s going through stuff with the doctor, he knows it’s going to be a while before he comes back. This is totally normal,” White said.
White also dismissed the idea that Aspinall signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom management operation would create any issues with the UFC.
“What has Eddie Hearn done for Tom Aspinall, the first guy to sign for him? Eddie Hearn’s f*cking drowning trying to save his business right now,” White said.
White and Hearn have traded public criticism throughout 2026, while their businesses have increasingly crossed paths. Conor Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing earlier this year, while Aspinall joined Hearn’s management roster.
White has maintained that his issues with Hearn do not extend to Aspinall and that the UFC has no problem with its fighters being represented by Hearn.