Dana White has responded to Eddie Hearn’s latest comments regarding UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, escalating a feud between the UFC CEO and the Matchroom Boxing chairman that has become one of combat sports’ most dominant narratives of the year.

The disagreement has increasingly centred on Aspinall, who is represented by Hearn. Last week, Hearn challenged White to release the British heavyweight from his UFC contract, while also suggesting Aspinall was not being compensated fairly under his current deal.

Speaking to reporters following Saturday’s Zuffa Boxing event, White dismissed Hearn’s demand. “He said that he wanted him released, right?” said White, as noted by MMA Fighting. “You release Bam Rodriguez then. Sounds pretty stupid, doesn’t it? Congratulations again, Eddie. You sound stupid again.”

White also responded to Hearn’s suggestion that he would not allow Aspinall to compete under his existing UFC contract. “If Eddie’s not going to let his fighter fight, what are you going to do?” said White. “You can’t make anybody fight. You can’t force anybody to fight. You have to want to fight. So, we’ll see how it plays out.”

The UFC boss then referenced the origins of his feud with Hearn, which intensified after White signed former Matchroom boxer Conor Benn. “Eddie, who apparently, Benn was his best friend]. He’s been crying, literally crying, for weeks. ‘Oh, you’re my best friend!’ He didn’t even want to pay him, but he wants to pay my guy. Could’ve paid his best friend, and they could’ve remained best friends,” said White. “Eddie’s full of a lot of shit. You know. I know it, you know it, we all know it.”

Aspinall remains sidelined while recovering from an eye injury that has required multiple surgeries. During his absence, the UFC is set to crown an interim heavyweight champion at the upcoming UFC White House event, where Alex Pereira will face Ciryl Gane in the co-main event, with Aspinall expected to meet the winner later this year.

The dispute between White and Hearn has generated headlines throughout the year, including discussion of a potential boxing match between the two promoters before White quickly dismissed the idea. Their latest exchange suggests tensions remain high as questions continue over Aspinall’s future plans and return to competition.