Promoter Eddie Hearn publicly called out Michael Bisping, stating that Bisping 'should be ashamed' of what has been proposed for Tom Aspinall. Hearn accused those criticising the situation of lacking backbone and being suppressed.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn went public with sharp criticism directed at Michael Bisping on June 24, 2026, accusing the former UFC middleweight champion of conduct that should leave him embarrassed over the handling of Tom Aspinall's situation. Hearn stated that Bisping "should be ashamed" of what has been proposed for the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, and he took further aim at those he described as lacking backbone and being suppressed when speaking out.
Tom Aspinall, 33, holds the UFC heavyweight title and sits sixth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Manchester-born fighter carries a record of 15-3-0 and represents one of the most statistically dominant champions in the division, landing 7.63 significant strikes per minute at a 67 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach, Aspinall trains out of Team Kaobon and has built a case as one of the most complete heavyweights in the sport.
Michael Bisping, 47, is a fellow Englishman and the first British fighter to claim UFC gold, having compiled a 30-9-0 record across his career. The six-foot-one orthodox fighter from England, now associated with HB Ultimate, averaged 4.33 significant strikes per minute during his fighting days and remains a prominent media presence and commentator in the sport long after his retirement from competition.
Why it matters
- Hearn's public intervention raises the profile of whatever proposal is being discussed around Aspinall's title situation
- The dispute pits two prominent English figures in combat sports against one another, drawing wider attention
- Aspinall's status as heavyweight champion and a top-six pound-for-pound fighter means any decisions around his career carry significant divisional weight
