Dana White insists no beef with Tom Aspinall, says Eddie Hearn is ‘f*cking drowning’ in boxing business

Dana White has moved to smooth tensions with former UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall following the fighter's decision to vacate his title due to recurring eye injuries sustained during his championship bout against Ciryl Gane.

Aspinall's absence triggered a chain of events that saw Gane defeat Alex Pereira for an interim title at UFC White House before being elevated to undisputed champion status. Gane is now scheduled to defend that title against Josh Hokit in the main event of UFC 334 on November 14.

White's earlier comments about Aspinall's injury situation had drawn criticism for appearing unsympathetic, prompting the UFC president to clarify his position at Saturday's UFC 331 post-fight press conference. "I don't like Tom, no that's not the case," White said. "It's the furthest thing from the truth." He acknowledged that Aspinall is dealing with legitimate medical issues requiring time away and emphasized that any previous friction was unintentional.

The Aspinall situation has become entangled in White's ongoing public rivalry with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, whose Matchroom organization recently signed Aspinall for management representation—a move White characterized as less than consequential. White suggested that Hearn, who has competed with the UFC boss for attention in the boxing world, is overextended.

"Eddie Hearn's f*cking drowning trying to save his f*cking business right now," White said, dismissing concerns that fighter departures to Hearn's roster should worry him. The UFC chief reiterated that fighters are free to choose their representatives but suggested Hearn's efforts have not meaningfully elevated Aspinall's career prospects or sponsorship opportunities since signing him.