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4 clusters · 14 sources · 37 days · First seen · Last updated

Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status

Overview

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined following a no-contest result against Ciryl Gane, caused by an accidental eye poke. Aspinall underwent multiple surgeries to address bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome and has been unable to compete for approximately 11 months.

During his recovery, rumors circulated regarding Aspinall’s potential departure from the UFC, fueled by comments from his boxing coach and his management shift to Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn. Aspinall issued an official statement denying these claims, asserting, “I’m not leaving the UFC. I’ve never said I have in any interview and any words that have been taken from others today are simply not true.”

UFC CEO Dana White has reinforced this stance, stating, “He’s not going anywhere. He’s with us, and we’re good with Tom Aspinall,” while noting that his return depends entirely on his health. However, as of September 2026, Aspinall has still not received the necessary medical clearance to compete. White indicated that while Aspinall remains with the promotion, matchmakers may move past his title reign if the hiatus continues to ensure the heavyweight division remains active.

This prolonged absence has drawn criticism from within the division. Heavyweight contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta has publicly questioned Aspinall’s resolve, accusing him of avoiding a rematch with interim champion Ciryl Gane. With the champion’s return timeline remaining uncertain, the UFC continues to look toward Gane and other active contenders to drive the division forward.

Entities

Ciryl Gane · Tom Aspinall · UFC · Dana White · Alex Pereira

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Tom Aspinall's heavyweight title reign faces uncertainty amid injury

    UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined by eye injuries, prompting Dana White to signal that the division will move forward without him while contenders criticize his lengthy absence.

  2. 9 days ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Tom Aspinall remains under UFC contract amid exit rumors

    Manager Eddie Hearn has debunked rumors of Tom Aspinall leaving the UFC, stating the heavyweight champion remains under contract but must undergo medical testing for an eye injury before returning.

  3. 16 days ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Tom Aspinall denies rumors of leaving the UFC

    UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has dismissed rumors of leaving the promotion, clarifying that he remains committed to the organization while recovering from a serious eye injury.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Tom Aspinall sidelined by eye injury as UFC heavyweight unification plans unfold

    Tom Aspinall withdrew after an eye poke by Ciryl Gane, undergoing surgery and awaiting clearance, while Alex Pereira plans a November heavyweight return and will not wait for the Aspinall‑Gane unification bout.

Sources

bitcoinethereumnews.com · bjpenn.com · boxemag.com · boxingnews.com · essentiallysports.com · heavy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · inthecage.pl · middleeasy.com · mmafighting.com · sportowefakty.wp.pl · sportskeeda.com · thebodylockmma.com · themaclife.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history