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Eddie Hearn cautions Aspinall: UFC fight pays pennies

6/6/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Eddie Hearn warns

Eddie Hearn, chair of Matchroom Boxing, warned UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall not to accept a fight with the June 14 title winner while under contract.
He said the UFC had not invited Aspinall and that the bout would pay only one-fiftieth of revenue.
Sources say the UFC is renegotiating contracts in 2026 as it moves away from the Paramount+ model, heightening tension between Matchroom Boxing and UFC CEO Dana White.

Summary

White Expands Boxing

UFC CEO Dana White is pouring resources into the Zuffa Boxing brand, launched in early 2026.
The venture targets high-profile boxers such as former Matchroom fighter Conor Benn.
White seeks changes to the U.S. Ali Act, which critics say lets top boxers keep a larger revenue share than UFC fighters.
Fan backlash over recent Paramount-era UFC cards has intensified the push to diversify revenue through boxing.

History

Historical Context

After Zuffa bought the UFC in 2001, the promotion struggled until the 2005 reality series The Ultimate Fighter boosted its profile. A turning point came on August 18 2011 when UFC signed a seven-year, $813 million broadcast pact with Fox, bringing fights to network TV. That mainstream exposure now fuels current disputes over revenue splits and calls to revisit the 2000 Ali Act.

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Eddie Hearn warns

Eddie Hearn, chair of Matchroom Boxing, warned UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall not to accept a fight with the June 14 title winner while under contract.
He said the UFC had not invited Aspinall and that the bout would pay only one-fiftieth of revenue.
Sources say the UFC is renegotiating contracts in 2026 as it moves away from the Paramount+ model, heightening tension between Matchroom Boxing and UFC CEO Dana White.

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