UFC heavyweight championTom Aspinallhas signed a commercial and advisory deal with Eddie Hearn’s newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency. The 32-year-old from Salford is the first athlete on the agency’s books, and the announcement dropped on Thursday via social media and a press release from both parties.

This is a representation deal, not a promotional one. Aspinall remains under contract with the UFC. Hearn and his team will handle Aspinall’s business inside and outside of theoctagon, according to Ariel Helwani. The agency will support him with commercial, publishing, digital, broadcast, and legal services, while Aspinall continues working with his existing media and management team.

Breaking:Tom Aspinall has signed a commercial and advisory deal with Eddie Hearn’s new agency. Hearn and his the team will be handling the Aspinall business dealings inside and outside of fighting.pic.twitter.com/uSWKGGjaIF

Aspinall had never previously signed with professional management. His father Andy Aspinall, who also serves as his head coach at Team Kaobon, had been handling his affairs throughout his career. That makes this a significant shift for a fighter who resisted outside management for years despite multiple approaches from other managers.​

🚨 Tom Aspinall just announced that he has signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency 👀(via@EddieHearn)pic.twitter.com/CsVf6KJ96v

The timing carries weight. Just two weeks ago,Dana Whitepulled Conor Benn away from Matchroom Boxing and signed him to a reported one-fight, $15 million deal with Zuffa Boxing. Hearn called the loss painful. In response, Hearn launched the Matchroom Talent Agency and landed the UFC heavyweight champion as its debut client.

A post shared by Tom Aspinall (@tomaspinallofficial)

White and Hearn have been at each other’s throats for weeks. White called entering the boxing world “like beating up babies” and questioned Hearn’s vision. Hearn fired back by calling Zuffa Boxing’s product “the cringiest sh*t I’ve ever seen.” Signing Aspinall gives Hearn direct leverage in White’s own backyard; MMA.

👊@EddieHearnpic.twitter.com/dQDwDK9zWr

“I’m really excited to welcomeEddie and the MatchroomSport group in a commercial and advisory role, and to become the first athlete to join the new Matchroom Talent Agency,” Aspinall said. “Eddie has built one of the biggest brands in sport and understands how to take athletes to the next level, both inside and outside of competition. I’m looking forward to working together and exploring some exciting opportunities as I continue my journey back into the cage”.

Source: LowKickMMA.com