Tom Aspinall's heavyweight title reign faces uncertainty amid injury

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined due to ongoing eye injuries sustained during a no-contest bout against Ciryl Gane last year. Despite initial hopes for a September return, Aspinall has not yet received medical clearance to compete following multiple eye surgeries.

UFC CEO Dana White stated that the heavyweight division will continue to move forward regardless of Aspinall’s status, noting that the champion is still hurt. While White dismissed rumors that Aspinall is leaving the promotion, he indicated that matchmakers may move past his title reign if the hiatus continues.

Heavyweight contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta has publicly criticized Aspinall, questioning his resolve and accusing him of avoiding a rematch with Gane, who currently holds the interim heavyweight title. As the timeline for Aspinall’s return remains uncertain, the UFC may look toward Gane or other contenders to keep the division active.