Tom Aspinall: Dana White has ‘no issues’ with Eddie Hearn after Tom Aspinall deal

Dana White says he has “no issues” with Eddie Hearn after UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall signed with the boxing promoter’s new talent agency.

Briton Aspinall joined Matchroom Talent Agency on Thursday in a “commercial and consulting” deal rather than a promotional deal, meaning the 32-year-old is still signed to the UFC.

The move comes two weeks after boxer Conor Penn left Hearn’s Matchroom promotion to join White’s Zuffa Boxing.

Hearn, 46, has been in a public feud with UFC president White since the launch of Zuffa.

Speaking ahead of UFC 326 on Saturday, White compared the deal to his relationship with Tito Ortiz – a fighter White used to manage before a long-running feud.

“We don’t have any problems with Eddie, they can appoint whoever they want to represent them,” White said.

“Tito Ortiz represented the people but we got it done.”

Aspinall has been suffering from eye problems since his title fight with Cyril Jean was stopped last October due to repeated eye pokes.

He underwent eye surgery last February, and it is not clear when he will be able to return to action.

Aspinall became involved in the Matchroom-Zuffa Boxing feud when Hearn suggested White had “insulted” him by not supporting the fighter after the eye controversy.

Earlier in the press conference, White confirmed that the fights for the unprecedented showcase for the UFC at the White House on June 14 will be announced on Saturday.

The UFC is spending $60m (£44.3m) to host this unique event in Washington DC to mark 250 years of America’s independence.

A number of fighters have expressed interest in competing on the card including Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Alex Pereira, Amanda Nunes, Nate Diaz and Islam Makhachev.