Overview
- UFC president Dana White said on Sunday that Aspinall’s status is “up in the air” after Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn publicly demanded the champion be released or given better pay and signaled he may block fights under current terms.
- Aspinall remains sidelined after eye surgery for injuries sustained in his October bout with Ciryl Gane and has not set a return date, leaving the promotion unable to plan a clear title defense.
- Hearn has criticized UFC pay and treatment of fighters and told reporters he will try to prevent Aspinall from fighting for the UFC at current contract terms unless the promotion improves the deal.
- White responded with sharp public criticism of Hearn and said he cannot force a fighter to compete, while also indicating the winner of the June 14 interim title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane would shape next steps for the heavyweight division.
- UFC contracts normally give the promotion control over champions’ fights, so a release would be rare and could shift commercial leverage between promoters, affect a likely unification bout, and change Aspinall’s earning and career options.