Eddie Hearn has publicly slammed Michael Bisping for questioning Tom Aspinall's injury layoff. Hearn's comments signal a sharp disagreement over the legitimacy of the UFC interim heavyweight champion's time on the sidelines.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has publicly hit back at Michael Bisping after the former UFC middleweight champion questioned the legitimacy of Tom Aspinall's injury layoff, with the exchange drawing fresh attention to the UFC interim heavyweight title situation.
Aspinall, 33, holds the UFC interim heavyweight championship and currently sits sixth in the pound-for-pound rankings. The Manchester-born fighter carries a record of 15-3-0 and is one of the most statistically dominant heavyweights in the sport. He lands an exceptional 7.63 significant strikes per minute at 67 percent accuracy, while also averaging 2.62 takedowns and 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him a legitimate threat across all phases.
Bisping, 47, is a fellow Englishman and the only British fighter to have held a UFC world title. The retired middleweight, who finished his career at 30-9-0, built his reputation as a durable, high-output striker, averaging 4.33 significant strikes per minute across his career. Since retiring from competition, Bisping has become a prominent media voice and analyst, and his comments casting doubt on Aspinall's time on the sidelines drew a sharp response from Hearn.
Hearn's public rebuttal signals a clear disagreement over how Aspinall's absence has been characterized, with the promoter pushing back firmly against what he viewed as unjust criticism of the champion.
Why it matters
- Aspinall's injury status directly affects the undisputed UFC heavyweight title picture and any potential unification bout
- Bisping's media profile means his comments carry weight in shaping public perception of Aspinall's legitimacy as champion
- The public spat between two prominent British figures adds further tension to an already complicated heavyweight division
