Tom Aspinall: UFC champion signs for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom agency

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has signed for boxing promoter Eddie Hearn’s new talent agency.

The Englishman, 32, has been the standout performer in the UFC’s heavyweight division in recent years, with seven of his eight wins ending in the first round.

The move comes two weeks after boxer Conor Benn left Hearn’s promotional outfit Matchroom to join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

Hearn has now launched a “Matchroom Talent Agency”, which will “nurture athletes’ careers by managing their brand and building their reputations”.

Aspinall’s deal, though, is a “commercial and advisory” one and not promotional as the Briton remains signed to the UFC.

“Eddie has built one of the biggest brands in sport and understands how to take athletes to the next level, both inside and outside of competition,” said Aspinall of the decision.

“I’m really looking forward to working together and exploring some exciting opportunities as I continue my journey back into the cage.”

Aspinall has been dealing with eye problems since his title fight with Ciryl Gane last October had to be stopped because of repeated eye pokes.

He had double eye surgery in February and it is unclear when he will be able to return to action.

Hearn, 46, has been publicly feuding with UFC president White since the launch of Zuffa Boxing.

Aspinall became part of that war of words when Hearn suggested White “humiliated” him by not backing the fighter after the eye controversy.

Aspinall is the first signing to Hearn’s agency.

“We believe in creating opportunities where others see obstacles,” said Hearn.

“At the heart of everything we’ve done as a business over the last 40 years is identifying ordinary people, who have extraordinary talent.

“Tom Aspinall is the perfect embodiment of that.”