Chael Sonnen believes that Tom Aspinall could go from being a protagonist to just a pawn in the power struggle between Dana White and Eddie Hearn. The former fighter's warning comes after the Briton, previously managed by his own father, signed a contract with the head of Matchroom Boxing, one of the world's leading boxing promoters and a declared rival of the UFC president.
In an interview with Helen Yee Sports, Sonnen expressed concern about the situation and indicated that Aspinall may be involved in a conflict that goes beyond the sport, fearing that the wrestler could be used as a tool in a public rivalry between the two executives.
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"I'm afraid Tom is being used in a public feud between Eddie Hern and Dana White, and I don't want Tom to be used that way," said Chael Sonnen.
Tom Aspinall is experiencing a period of uncertainty in the UFC.
Aspinall with an eye injury after a UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
After suffering an eye poke and abandoning the fight at UFC 321, held in October 2025, Tom Aspinall still faces uncertainty regarding his return to the octagon. The Briton needed eye surgery and is still recovering, with no date set for his return to competition.
Meanwhile, the heavyweight division continues to move forward. Ciryl Gane and Alex Poatan face off at UFC Casa Branca in a fight for the interim title, which should determine the next opponent for the division's champion.
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