UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has made a surprising business move by signing with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and his newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency. The agreement, announced on March 5, 2026, represents one of the most notable crossovers between MMA and boxing management in recent years.
The deal is not a boxing contract and does not remove Aspinall from the UFC. Instead, it is described as a commercial and advisory partnership, with Hearn and Matchroom helping the British champion grow his brand, negotiate business opportunities, and maximize his earning potential outside of the cage.
Aspinall confirmed the agreement publicly, explaining that he wanted to expand his team and take advantage of new opportunities while continuing his fighting career.
“I have signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom on a commercial advisory deal,” Aspinall said. “I trust Eddie and want to grow commercially as much as possible while I’m fighting.”
A Major Signing for Matchroom’s New Agency
The move is particularly significant because Aspinall is the first major client announced for Matchroom’s new talent management division.
Hearn, one of boxing’s most influential promoters and the chairman of Matchroom Boxing, welcomed the UFC champion to the organization while hinting at bigger ambitions for the new agency.
The British promoter wrote on social media, “Welcome to the team, UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall. Time to get what’s yours.”
Matchroom’s new venture aims to represent athletes across multiple combat sports and entertainment industries, suggesting Aspinall could become a centerpiece for future crossover opportunities.
The Dana White Rivalry Adds Context
The timing of the deal has drawn attention because of the ongoing rivalry between Hearn and Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Recently, White launched Zuffa Boxing, intensifying competition between the boxing and MMA worlds. Some observers believe Aspinall’s signing is part of the broader power struggle between the two promoters.
Despite the headlines, Hearn has made it clear that Aspinall remains under his UFC contract and that the agreement is focused on business representation rather than promoting his fights.
Aspinall’s Current Career Situation
Aspinall, born in Salford, England, has quickly become one of the most dominant heavyweights in MMA. The 6-foot-5 fighter captured the interim UFC heavyweight title in 2023 and was later promoted to undisputed champion after the retirement of Jon Jones.
However, his recent activity has been limited due to injury setbacks. His October 2025 fight against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest after being poked in the eye, which required multiple surgeries.
The partnership with Hearn could help Aspinall expand his commercial profile while he continues recovering and preparing for his next title defense.
What the Deal Could Mean for Combat Sports
While the agreement does not immediately indicate that Aspinall will box, it highlights a growing trend of crossover collaboration between combat sports. Fighters increasingly seek management that can secure sponsorships, media deals, and opportunities beyond their primary promotions.
With Matchroom now entering the athlete representation business and Aspinall as its first major signing, the move could open the door for more MMA fighters to explore partnerships outside the UFC ecosystem.