UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall now seems to test UFC CEO Dana White’s patience by reaching out to White’s rival. Earlier today, he sparked buzz by posting a photo of himself walking alongside someone toward a plane with the caption “Back to Business.” At first, many assumed Aspinall, who is recovering from eye surgery, planned to travel to the U.S. to negotiate with the UFC and meet Dana White and matchmakers like Hunter Campbell.

However, that assumption is wrong, as Aspinall instead traveled to Monaco and signed with Dana White’s rival, Eddie Hearn. It is important to note that the British boxing promoter and Matchroom Boxing owner has not been in White’s good books lately. Aspinall’s move marks his first deal with Hearn’s newly launched talent agency. However, the move comes after White recently signed Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing while criticizing Hearn for underestimating the UFC president.

Tom Aspinall teams up with Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn

“Tom Aspinall announces that he’s signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency. Aspinall is the first signing Hearn has made to the talent agency, a new venture for Matchroom,” wrote Verdict MMA on X.

The Brit doesn’t involve boxing directly in his latest move, but by signing with Eddie Hearn’s talent agency, he gives Hearn the authority to represent him, just like Ali Abdelaziz’s Dominance MMA Management represents Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team.

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At the same time, Dana White will probably not welcome Aspinall siding with Hearn, as the rivalry between White and Hearn has grown, especially after many Matchroom Boxing fighters signed with Zuffa Boxing, as highlighted in recent social media rants.

“Is there a bigger p–sy than Eddie Hearn?” asked Dana White at a UFC Houston press conference.

Meanwhile, things between Tom Aspinall and Dana White are also strained. Over the past couple of years, the Englishman has accused the promotion of not treating him fairly. Earlier this year, he missed a fight at UFC 321 due to a double eye poke from Ciryl Gane, during which Dana White showed scant regard for him.

Still, Aspinall clearly shows that he intends to negotiate with the UFC for better opponents. Until now, his father, Andy Aspinall, has managed and represented him. By joining Eddie Hearn, however, Tom Aspinall opens the gate for his future, hinting that he might not extend his UFC contract. Meanwhile, his father also suggested that Aspinall might pursue boxing instead.

Andy Aspinall charts son’s move beyond Dana White’s promotion

Tom Aspinall has largely stayed quiet about his feelings toward Dana White and the UFC, but his father, Andy Aspinall, spoke out strongly over the past couple of years. Last year, when the promotion repeatedly delayed his son’s title shot against Jon Jones, Andy openly questioned the UFC’s motives.

As a result, after Aspinall became the undisputed champion following Jones’ retirement, Andy grew frustrated that Dana White announced the news only over a call, without informing his son directly. Upset with the UFC’s attitude, Andy decided to part ways with the promotion once Tom’s contract ended, and consequently, they began exploring a move into boxing.

“Boxing for sure. More money. Why not? Just three more fights on his contract. I don’t want him to sign a new one,” Andy said.

At the same time, several fighters have left the promotion frustrated, including Francis Ngannou, who turned to boxing because the UFC’s contracts restrict their opportunities outside the Octagon. What do you think lies ahead for Tom Aspinall in the UFC? Share your thoughts below.