Dana White rejects request from Tom Aspinall's manager to release UFC heavyweight champion.

Dana White at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Dana White didn't miss the opportunity to respond to his rival Eddie Hearn, after the businessman asked the UFC to release the heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg). Tom aspinall of his contract. Last Saturday (6), the organization’s president adopted an ironic tone when comparing the situation to that of world boxing champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez and called the manager’s suggestion absurd.

The statement came after Hearn publicly stated that Aspinall was receiving far less than he deserved in the UFC. The 'Matchroom Boxing' leader even challenged Dana White to release the Englishman so he could offer the fighter a more lucrative contract.

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“He said he wanted Aspinall released, right? So you release 'Bam' Rodriguez. Sounds pretty stupid, doesn't it? Congratulations, Eddie, you're talking nonsense again,” Dana said at a press conference to promote the 'Zuffa Boxing' event.

Dana's comment involving 'Bam' Rodriguez was no coincidence. The boxer is one of the main stars of Matchroom Boxing and one of the most valuable athletes in Hearn's company. The UFC president used the comparison to point out what he considers an inconsistency in his rival's request.

The exchange of taunts is yet another chapter in the growing rivalry between Dana White and Hearn. In recent weeks, the British promoter has harshly criticized the contracts offered by the UFC, stating that the heavyweight champion receives compensation incompatible with his importance to the sport. According to the promoter, Aspinall is "extremely dissatisfied" with his current situation and could earn more outside the organization.

"I wish Dana White would release it." Tom aspinall of his contract with the UFC. I guarantee Dana that I will pay the Tom aspinall "At least three times more than what Dana White is paying him," Hearn said in an interview with the YouTube channel IFL TV.

Despite criticism from the British businessman, there is no indication that the UFC is willing to release Aspinall. The current undisputed heavyweight champion remains with the organization while recovering from a serious eye injury. Dana White has made it clear that he does not intend to open negotiations for a possible departure of the athlete, maintaining his position that the fighter will remain under an exclusive contract.

With Aspinall still having no return date set and the exchange of taunts intensifying, the feud between Dana White and Hearn is gaining more and more traction outside the octagon and the ring, amplifying the tension between two of the most influential figures in combat sports.

Tom Aspinall's last fight in the UFC.

Tom aspinall faced Cyryl Gane In October, in Abu Dhabi, at UFC 321, an event marked by the accidental eye poke by Gane that prevented Aspinall from continuing in the main fight. Since the incident, the heavyweight champion has not been scheduled for any new fights within the company. The Englishman, who had been rising in the division, remains without a confirmed date for his return to the octagon, which has increased the discussion about his situation in the division and his next steps in his career.