Tom Aspinall Might Be DONE With The UFC | Big Brown Breakdown Ep. 506
Tom Aspinall may be on the verge of leaving the UFC after a reported push from promoter Eddie Hearn for Dana White to release him from his contract, citing gross underpayment. The host argues that Aspinall, with only two fights remaining on his current deal, could make significantly more money by transitioning to boxing—specifically fighting Francis Ngannou under Netflix's MVP promotion. This move would maximize earnings with minimal risk, especially given Aspinall's documented desire to pursue boxing and his father's public stance against re-signing with the UFC. The episode frames this as a pivotal moment not just for Aspinall, but for the UFC’s ability to retain elite talent amid rising competition from alternative promotions like RFA and Game Bread. The host warns that once a rift forms between a top fighter and the UFC brass, it rarely heals—citing precedents like Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone. Yet, he remains skeptical Dana White will release Aspinall, fearing it would make the promotion look bad if he then earns ten times more elsewhere. Still, the narrative suggests Aspinall’s future may lie outside the UFC, where he can finally get the financial recognition he deserves.
Tom Aspinall has only two fights left on his UFC contract and could earn 3–5 times more by moving to boxing under Netflix MVP.
Eddie Hearn is pushing for Dana White to release Aspinall, offering to cover any legal issues from Conor Benn’s departure.
Aspinall’s father has publicly stated he does not want him to re-sign with the UFC after his current deal ends.
The UFC has never successfully retained fighters who publicly rifted with Dana White—history suggests Aspinall leaving would be permanent.
RFA and Game Bread are thriving because they don’t compete with the UFC—they create their own momentum through unique formats.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Summer Is Here, and So Is UFC Fire
The episode opens with a celebratory tone as June 1st marks the unofficial start of summer, setting the stage for a packed UFC season with major events like White House, International Fight Week, and the Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Gary matchup.
Darren Till’s Inspiring Comeback
“There's not a more inspiring story in MMA right now than Darren Till.”
The Tough Reality of Leaving the UFC
The emotional and financial toll of leaving the UFC is explored, with Tyson Pedro and others highlighting how it’s a brutal ego check, but also a path to rediscovering love for fighting outside the biggest promotion.
The Rise of Alternative Promotions
RFA is praised as the best thing in combat sports right now, with Armin and Kobe Covington’s match symbolizing a new era where top fighters can thrive without UFC contracts.
Song Yudong: The 1% Off Champion
Song Yudong is analyzed as a near-elite fighter who consistently beats top-5 opponents but remains just short of world title contention—missing only 1% to be a true face of the division.
“But if the goal is to make the most money possible with the least amount of fights, I would leave the UFC.”
“There's not a more inspiring story in MMA right now than Darren Till.”
“I don't think it's possible. You'd have to have so much money. You'd have the lawyers and to get these relevant fighters in the UFC out of their contract over to your organization. I don't see it happening.”
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ufc
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dana white
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brandon sixboy shaw
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tom aspinall
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rfa
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darren till
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eddie hearn
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greg hardy
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aaron ross
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tyson pedro
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