Dana White lashes back at Eddie Hearn’s call for Tom Aspinall’s release

UFC president Dana White rejected Eddie Hearn's request to release heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, a development relevant to ongoing debates about fighter compensation. Hearn, who began managing Tom Aspinall in March, has criticized the UFC for underpaying the champion and vowed to boost his earnings. Responding at a Zuffa Boxing press event, Dana White invoked Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez while challenging Hearn's stance.Rodriguez, the WBC, WBO and The Ring super flyweight titleholder, is scheduled to face Antonio Vargas for the WBA bantamweight title on June 13. Aspinall's first defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke, after which he signed with Hearn's management; Hearn maintains he will not let Aspinall compete under his current UFC contract.