Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is poised to challenge the UFC’s long-standing issue of fighter compensation, signaling a potentially “really interesting” conflict with Dana White in the coming months.
The recent reported $15 million payout to Conor Benn for a single bout under Zuffa Boxing has starkly highlighted the pay disparity within the UFC, prompting many rostered fighters to question their own compensation. In response, Hearn aims to champion improved financial deals for athletes.
Conversely, Dana White recently defended Conor Benn’s lucrative contract, arguing that an influx of money into the sport is inherently positive. White, 56, also asserted that UFC fighter salaries would continue to grow, particularly following the new Paramount deal.
However, Eddie Hearn expresses strong skepticism regarding White’s recent public statements. The British promoter believes Benn’s significant signing will inevitably lead UFC athletes to demand comparable paydays and enhanced contract terms. In a recent interview, Hearn outlined his strategy to support fighters in securing better compensation, anticipating a major “revolution” in the sport over the next few months, with himself playing a pivotal role.
“There is so much contradiction going on, especially from people on the UFC payroll, including Dana White. Dana White sits at a press conference saying Conor Benn making all this money is great for UFC fighters. I ask, how? Every UFC fighter is looking at that, and it just doesn’t make sense.”
“For the first time in my career, similar to 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… I’m looking at the landscape, and it’s crazy. It’s almost like a revolution.”
Eddie Hearn on Tom Aspinall’s Experience with the UFC
In a related development, Tom Aspinall recently joined Eddie Hearn’s newly established Matchroom Talent Agency, entrusting them with his commercial and business affairs. Hearn and Matchroom will serve as Aspinall’s commercial advisors, ensuring fair compensation.
During the same discussion, Eddie Hearn spoke candidly about how the UFC and Dana White managed Tom Aspinall after he sustained a double eye poke at UFC 321, rendering him unable to continue the fight. Hearn revealed that his initial conversation with Aspinall left him feeling that the fighter was “broken” and suffering from a severe lack of confidence.
“I actually couldn’t believe how broken Tom Aspinall’s confidence was. The first conversation 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.”
Nevertheless, with Hearn now advocating for him, the reigning UFC heavyweight kingpin has regained his “buzz” and is eagerly anticipating his return to the octagon in 2026. Hearn observed, “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.”
