Eddie Hearn welcomes UFC star Tom Aspinall 'to the family'

Promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that UFC heavyweight star Tom Aspinall has joined him as part of the launch of the Matchroom Talent Agency.

The UFC heavyweight champion Aspinall is the first announced client for what the Matchroom Boxing chairman describes as a "new brand of talent management." A press conference formally announcing the pairing is set for this Friday in London.

Hearn said: "I started my professional career in Athlete management and over the past 30 years, I have built a wealth of experience in building global superstars,” said Hearn.

"We believe in partnership and transparency with our clients but, most importantly, always delivering exceptional and innovative work. Grounded in honesty and fierce commitment, Matchroom Talent Agency is about transforming careers through relentless ambition and telling it straight."

Aspinall, 32, of Salford, England holds a mixed martial arts record of 15-3, with all of his victories coming inside the distance. He made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut in July of 2020 and last fought in October, with his fight against Ciryl Gane being ruled a no contest due to accidental eye pokes in the first round. The eye pokes led Aspinall to undergo surgery on both eyes as he revealed he had been suffering from double vision and a lack of eye movement.

"At the heart of everything we’ve done as a business over the last 40 years is identifying ordinary people, who have extraordinary talent. It has become a guiding principle to seek out people who are humble but heroic in equal measure. Their journey is our journey. Their triumph, our purpose. 

“UFC World Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall is the perfect embodiment of that – and he is the ideal, inaugural member of our team. 

“We believe in creating opportunities where others see obstacles in turning potential into greatness. So, the message is loud and clear to all: Join us on this journey. We are officially open for business."

The signing, an unexpected one given that Matchroom has not traditionally dabbled in mixed martial arts, comes after the UFC-owned Zuffa Boxing made headlines by signing away long-time Matchroom Boxing fighter Conor Benn to a one-fight deal.