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UFC could urge Aspinall to vacate heavyweight title
Confirmed
In Short: UFC president Dana White is set to assess Tom Aspinall's heavyweight title as he remains out of action for over a year due to eye injuries.
The former two-division champion has not fought since October 2025, when a no-contest ended his title defense against Ciryl Gane after Aspinall suffered an eye injury.
UFC president Dana White confirmed that discussions will begin over whether Aspinall should be stripped of the championship amid his ongoing eye issues.
Tom Aspinall’s UFC heavyweight title reign could be facing a major decision as White stated, 'We'll definitely be talking about that.
Former UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated her title due to persistent injuries, potentially setting a precedent for Aspinall.
What's confirmed
- The former two-division champion has not fought since October 2025, when a no-contest ended his title defense against Ciryl Gane after Aspinall suffered an eye injury.
- UFC president Dana White confirmed that discussions will begin over whether Aspinall should be stripped of the championship amid his ongoing eye issues.
- Tom Aspinall’s UFC heavyweight title reign could be facing a major decision as White stated, 'We'll definitely be talking about that.
- Former UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated her title due to persistent injuries, potentially setting a precedent for Aspinall.
What's still developing
- In June, Aspinall said he had returned to full training for a rematch with France's Gane and suggested they could fight in September.
- Gane beat Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title at the UFC's White House show in June, before also calling for a rematch with Aspinall.
- Tom Aspinall has a professional MMA record of 15 wins, three defeats and one no-contest The UFC will assess Tom Aspinall's status as heavyweight champion as he approaches a full year out of action, says its president Dana White.
- After repeated eye pokes from Gane, Aspinall was unable to continue and was subsequently diagnosed with a rare eye condition and had persistent double vision before having surgery.
- White was asked whether he thought that Aspinall should consider doing the same, or whether any discussions had taken place about stripping him of the title.
- The former two-division champion argued that an interim solution would let Ciryl Gane and other contenders move forward while Aspinall remains out of action.
- Watch the direct interview below: Cejudo initially called for Aspinall to return, but immediately acknowledged the seriousness of eye damage by comparing the situation with his own experience.
- Henry Cejudo wants Tom Aspinall to vacate the UFC heavyweight title while his injured eye continues to recover.