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Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-09 05:59 UTC → 2026-09-11 00:43 UTC · added removed

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 now 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 recently clarified indicated that while Aspinall is committed to remains with the promotion, the heavyweight division will continue to matchmakers may move forward in his absence. While Aspinall is reportedly mentally prepared and motivated, past his return remains delayed by medical requirements. He requires additional testing and formal clearance from the commission regarding the eye injury sustained during title reign if the Gane fight hiatus continues to ensure his safety. With the champion sidelined, speculation heavyweight division remains active. This prolonged absence has grown regarding 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 title held by champion Ciryl Gane, with potential matchups involving Alex Pereira, Josh Hokit, or Gane. With the champion’s return timeline remaining uncertain, the UFC continues to look toward Gane and other active contenders like Sergei Pavlovich. to drive the division forward.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-11 00:43 UTC Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status
  2. 2026-09-09 05:59 UTC Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status
  3. 2026-09-02 17:21 UTC Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status
  4. 2026-08-29 00:23 UTC Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status
  5. 2026-08-27 04:37 UTC Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight injury and status

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