mma
White: No hard feelings toward Aspinall despite Hearn signing
Dana White says he has no hard feelings toward former heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall despite his relationship with Eddie Hearn.
Brett Okamoto · 20 September 2026 18:13 · 2 min
LOS ANGELES -- UFC CEO Dana White says he does not have any hard feelings toward Tom Aspinall despite the former heavyweight champion's relationship with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
Aspinall, of England, vacated his heavyweight championship earlier this month due to lingering medical issues with his eyes. The 33-year-old has undergone multiple surgeries on both eyes since suffering injuries from an accidental eye poke in a fight against Ciryl Gane in October.
Earlier this year, Aspinall signed an advisory agreement with Hearn's Matchroom Boxing, which White has been at odds with in the boxing space.
During a UFC 331 post-fight news conference, White said he has nothing against Aspinall.
"That's not the case," said White, on any perceptions he doesn't like Aspinall. "This guy knows he's injured, he's going through stuff with the doctor, he knows it's going to be a while before he comes back. This is totally normal. ... If I don't like somebody, I'm pretty f---ing honest about it. If I did not like Tom, I would say it. And when guys sign with Eddie Hearn, this is no bulls---, we f---ing crack up laughing. It's hilarious."
In the wake of Aspinall's decision to vacate the title, the UFC announced that interim champion Ciryl Gane has been elevated to undisputed champion and will defend his title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 inside Madison Square Garden. Hokit is a controversial figure who made headlines this year when he disparaged former first lady Michelle Obama following his victory over Derrick Lewis in June on the White House lawn.
Asked about his thoughts on Hokit potentially becoming heavyweight champion, White admitted it's something he will have to work to be comfortable with.
"Oh, I got a lot of thoughts," White said. "I'm sure they're the same thoughts that you're all having. I say it all the time, I don't have to like you for you to thrive here. I'm not saying I don't like Josh Hokit, [but] I literally don't f---ing like anything Josh Hokit says."
