Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title after eye complications once again delay comeback, fans await Ciryl Gane’s response | MMA News
Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight championship after ongoing complications with his right eye left him unable to receive medical clearance. The 33-year-old British fighter has not competed since his no contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last October, when an eye poke forced the bout to end early.Aspinall has undergone multiple surgeries, accidents and infections during his recovery. He had been preparing for a return and was back sparring when another accident caused further damage. With his comeback date now uncertain, Aspinall decided to give up the title rather than hold up the heavyweight division.
Tom Aspinall steps away from title but vows to return
Tom Aspinall explained his decision in an emotional statement. He also addressed the speculation surrounding his long absence and made it clear that he has no plans to retire from MMA.“Anything you read in the media is simply noise. People are creating their own narratives. This is the truth: Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now. I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing”, he wrote on social media. He continued, “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. This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear. I know there have been questions about why I’ve been quiet. I’ve always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we’ve tried to make this happen.I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. 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. I’m not done.”He then thanked everyone who has supported him throughout this absolute nightmare. He wrote that he will be back as soon as he is medically able to be.Aspinall won the UFC heavyweight title before his latest injury problems interrupted his reign. His last appearance came against Gane, with the fight ending without a winner after the eye poke.During Aspinall’s absence, Gane returned to action against Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Gane stopped Pereira by second-round TKO and captured the interim heavyweight championship.The result now puts Gane in position to become the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. The UFC is expected to upgrade him following Aspinall’s decision.Pereira had also been pushing for a rematch with Aspinall as questions continued to grow over the champion’s availability. However, Aspinall’s latest announcement changes the situation at the top of the division.Neither the UFC nor Gane has publicly commented on Aspinall’s decision yet. He still wants to return once he is healthy and medically cleared to fight.
