Chael Sonnen: Tom Aspinall ‘being used’ in ongoing feud between Eddie Hearn and Dana White

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes Tom Aspinall’s recent deal with Matchroom Boxing is based on an inauthentic premise.

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains busy outside of the Octagon as he continues to recover from injuries sustained in his most-recent fight. At UFC 321 last year, Aspinall’s fight with Ciryl Gane was ruled a no-contest just minutes into the action after Aspinall suffered from multiple accidental eye pokes from Gane.

Aspinall continues to recover from his ailments, and a timeline for a return to the Octagon remains uncertain. In the meantime, former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Gane will fight for the interim UFC heavyweight title at the promotion’s upcoming White House event.

During his hiatus, Aspinall made news earlier this month when it was announced he had signed a partnership with Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, on an advisory basis. The deal came to fruition as Hearn, one of boxing’s top promoters, continues to trade barbs with UFC CEO Dana White amidst the latter’s entrance into the sport.

Hearn and White’s ongoing feud is the basis behind Aspinall’s signing, according to one UFC legend.

Chael Sonnen questions the sincerity of Tom Aspinall’s link-up with Eddie Hearn

In a recent episode of the Undefeated & Undisputed podcast, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen shared a unique perspective on Aspinall and Hearn joining forces.

“I don’t want Tom to get used as a little pawn in the game of Chess,” Sonnen said. “I’m just a fan, but it felt like he was being used. Tom and Eddie are British guys, and if you’re Tom and a fight fan, you’re going to admire Eddie Hearn, you just are. You’re going to grow up around Eddie Hearn, and Tom has a fantasy of being a boxer.

“If you get that phone call from Eddie: ‘I can help you, I’m going to fly you out on your private jet, sit down and do business’, that’s a very seductive thing. And I’m OK with it, I just want it to be sincere.

“At this point, and again it’s just my reaction, and I don’t have inside information, I feel like Tom is being used.”

Do you agree with Chael Sonnen’s remarks about Tom Aspinall and Eddie Hearn? Let us know in the comments!