Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has declared his intention to tackle the persistent problem of inadequate fighter compensation within the UFC. He anticipates a direct confrontation with Dana White in the coming months, describing the unfolding situation as “really interesting.”
Following reports that Conor Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing for an alleged $15 million per fight, numerous athletes on the UFC’s roster have questioned the stark pay disparity. Hearn is now stepping forward to advocate for improved financial remuneration for these fighters.
Conversely, Dana White recently defended Conor Benn’s substantial payment, arguing that an increased flow of money into the sport is ultimately beneficial. The 56-year-old UFC president further stated that fighter pay within the UFC would continue to rise, especially in the wake of the new Paramount deal.
However, Eddie Hearn expresses disbelief regarding Dana White’s recent statements. The British promoter suggests that Benn’s high-value signing could prompt other athletes to demand similar lucrative contracts and enhanced compensation. During a recent discussion, Hearn revealed his strategy to assist fighters in seeking better pay, predicting a major “revolution” within the next few months, in which he intends to play a significant role. Hearn told the interviewer:
“There is so much contradiction going on. Especially people who are on the payroll of the UFC. Even Dana White. Dana White sits there at a press conference last night and says ‘Conor Benn making all this money is great for UFC fighters.’ I am like, how? Basically, every UFC fighter is just looking at that guy, and it just doesn’t make sense.”
He added:
“Probably for the first time in my career, and this was very much the case with the Tom Aspinall stuff. I’m going to work in some silence because I need to get it right, and it’s going to be very, very interesting what’s about to unfold in the next couple of months… Right now, I’m looking at the landscape and thinking, this is crazy. It’s almost like a revolution, and it’s going to be really interesting.”
Eddie Hearn on How Tom Aspinall Was “Broken” by the UFC
Tom Aspinall recently joined Eddie Hearn’s newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency, which will now oversee Aspinall’s business and commercial interests. Hearn and Matchroom will act as Aspinall’s commercial advisors, aiming to prevent him from being undervalued in future dealings.
During the same discussion, Eddie Hearn spoke candidly about how the UFC and Dana White handled Tom Aspinall after he sustained a double eye poke at UFC 321, which forced him to stop fighting.
Hearn recalled that when he first spoke to Aspinall, he felt that the fighter was “broken” and suffering from a profound lack of confidence.
“I actually couldn’t believe how broken [Tom Aspinall’s] confidence was. The first conversation that we had, he actually said to me, ‘Why are you interested in me? My reputation, they have stitched me up. I am like damaged goods at the moment…’ He was just so down in the dumps.”
However, with Hearn now supporting him, the reigning UFC heavyweight kingpin is reportedly “absolutely buzzing” again and is looking forward to making his return to the octagon in 2026.
“The difference between that initial conversation and seeing him at the press conference last week was a completely different man. He is absolutely buzzing. Right now, he just can’t wait to get back, whereas before, I found a guy who didn’t really want to come back.”
