Tom Aspinall has vacated his UFC heavyweight title after suffering further damage to his right eye during training, bringing another setback to the British fighter’s long-awaited return to the Octagon. Aspinall revealed on Monday that ongoing complications with his eyes mean he cannot currently get medically cleared to fight. The 33-year-old said he had undergone multiple surgeries, dealt with infections and had been doing everything possible to return to competition.
He also addressed the speculation surrounding his absence, making it clear that he wanted to explain the situation in his own words.
“Anything you read in the media is simply noise. People are creating their own narratives. This is the truth,” Aspinall said.
“Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now.”
Tom Aspinall suffers further eye damage during training
Aspinall’s latest setback came after he had already agreed to a date for his return and had started sparring again.
The former champion said he was feeling good and believed he was ready to compete before another accident affected his right eye.
“I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further damage to my right eye,” Aspinall said.
“This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear.”
Aspinall’s eye problems began after his fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi last October. The bout was stopped in the opening round after Aspinall was unable to continue following eye pokes and was subsequently ruled a no contest.
He has since undergone multiple procedures while trying to recover.
“I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing,” he said.
Aspinall also explained why he had remained quiet throughout the process.
“I know there have been questions about why I’ve been quiet,” he said. “I’ve always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we’ve tried to make this happen.”
Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title but is ‘not done’
With no clear timeline for his return, Aspinall decided not to keep the heavyweight division waiting.
“I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title,” he said. “I’ve asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don’t want to hold the heavyweight division up.”
“I know what it’s like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title.”
Aspinall said the UFC and Hunter Campbell, the promotion’s chief business officer, had been informed throughout his recovery and had access to his medical information.
“The UFC and Hunter have been informed every step of the way and have seen the tests, procedures and medical information relating to my eyes,” he said.
“We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen, but unfortunately, it’s simply not possible right now.”
The decision ends Aspinall’s reign as heavyweight champion, but he has insisted that his career is not over.
“I’m absolutely gutted,” he said. “I’ve chased this dream since I was 10 years old.”
“I’m not done.”
Aspinall’s message was clear: the title may be gone, but his ambition to fight again remains.
“I’ll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.”
