Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed his intent to tackle the persistent problem of low fighter compensation within the UFC. He anticipates a significant confrontation with Dana White on this matter in the coming months, promising an “extremely interesting” development.
The recent signing of boxer Conor Benn with Zuffa Boxing for a reported $15 million per fight has intensified scrutiny over the pay gap for many athletes currently under UFC contracts. In light of these concerns, Hearn is now advocating for improved compensation for fighters.
Conversely, UFC President Dana White recently defended Benn’s substantial earnings, asserting that an increase in overall financial investment benefits the sport. White also suggested that UFC fighter pay would continue its upward trend, particularly following their new agreement with Paramount.
However, Eddie Hearn expressed skepticism regarding Dana White’s recent statements. The British promoter argued that Benn’s high-profile signing raises critical questions and could prompt other athletes to demand comparable earnings and improved contract terms. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Hearn outlined his strategy to assist fighters in securing better compensation, predicting a major “revolution” in the coming months in which he intends to play a significant role. Hearn stated, “There is so much contradiction going on, especially among those on the UFC payroll, including Dana White himself. Dana White claimed at a recent press conference that Conor Benn earning this much money is great for UFC fighters. I wonder how, because every UFC fighter is looking at that situation, and it simply doesn’t add up.” He further elaborated, “Perhaps for the first time in my career – and this was very much the case with the Tom Aspinall situation – I’m going to work quietly because I need to get this right. What’s about to unfold in the next couple of months will be very, very interesting… Right now, I’m observing the landscape and thinking, this is absurd. It’s almost like a revolution, and it’s going to be truly fascinating.”
Eddie Hearn Discusses Tom Aspinall’s “Broken” Confidence Under UFC
UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall recently joined Eddie Hearn’s new Matchroom Talent Agency, entrusting them with his business and commercial affairs. Hearn and Matchroom aim to serve as Aspinall’s commercial advisors, ensuring he receives fair compensation. In his conversation with Ariel Helwani, Hearn openly discussed the UFC and Dana White’s management of Aspinall following a double eye poke incident at UFC 321, which rendered him unable to continue the fight.
Hearn revealed that during their initial conversation, Aspinall appeared “broken” and severely lacked confidence. Hearn remarked, “I actually couldn’t believe how broken Tom Aspinall’s confidence was. In our first conversation, he even asked me, ‘Why are you interested in me? My reputation has been tarnished, and I feel like damaged goods right now…’ He was incredibly dejected.”
Nevertheless, with Hearn’s support, the current UFC interim heavyweight champion is now “absolutely buzzing” and anticipates his return to the octagon in 2026. Hearn added, “The transformation between that initial conversation and seeing him at the press conference last week was remarkable – a completely different man. He is absolutely buzzing. Now, he simply can’t wait to get back, whereas previously, I encountered someone who genuinely didn’t want to return.”