Dana White lashes back at Eddie Hearn’s call for Tom Aspinall’s release

UFC President Dana White fired back at boxing promoter Eddie Hearn's demand for Tom Aspinall's release, turning the negotiation into a pointed jab at Hearn's stable. In March, Hearn signed UFC heavyweight champion Aspinall to his Matchroom Boxing management and has since publicly criticized the UFC for underpaying the British fighter, calling for his contract termination and promising substantially higher earnings elsewhere.

White responded at a Zuffa Boxing press conference by challenging Hearn to release one of his own prized assets: two-division boxing champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs). "[Hearn] said he wanted [Aspinall] released, right? Well, you release 'Bam' Rodriguez then. Sounds pretty stupid, doesn't it? Congratulations again, Eddie. You sound stupid again," White said. Rodriguez, the current WBC, WBO, and "The Ring" super flyweight titleholder, is scheduled to fight Antonio Vargas for the WBA bantamweight title on June 13 in Glendale, Arizona, aiming to become a three-division champion.

Aspinall's relationship with the UFC deteriorated after his first title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest due to an eye poke in the first round. White downplayed the injury, and Aspinall subsequently signed with Hearn. With the champion sidelined, Alex Pereira and Gane are set to compete for an interim heavyweight title at the White House on Sunday, with Aspinall expected to face the winner. Hearn has indicated he will not allow Aspinall to compete under his current UFC contract.