Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title as the British fighter continues to deal with complications from the eye injuries he suffered against Ciryl Gane last October.
Aspinall sustained damage to both eyes after being poked by Gane during the first defence of his heavyweight title and has since undergone multiple surgeries. The 33-year-old had hoped to return to competition this year but remains unable to receive medical clearance.
“Ongoing eye complications mean I cannot get cleared to fight right now. I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing,” said Aspinall in a post to social media. “I have now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. I asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don’t want to hold the heavyweight division up.”
Aspinall said the UFC had been kept informed throughout his recovery as he worked with doctors and specialists in an attempt to return. “We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen but, unfortunately, it is simply not possible right now. I am absolutely gutted. I have chased this dream since I was 10 years old,” he said.
Ciryl Gane, who stopped Alex Pereira in June to claim the interim heavyweight title, could now be elevated to undisputed champion. Aspinall, however, said his decision to relinquish the belt does not signal the end of his career. “I am not done,” he said. “Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I will continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.”
Aspinall also pointed to the circumstances in which the injuries occurred as he outlined his frustration with his continued absence. “What makes this particularly difficult is that many of the complications I’m dealing with are a result of fouls that changed the course of my career,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this absolute nightmare. I’ll be back as soon as I’m medically able to be.”
