The UFC is preparing to evaluate the championship status of heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as the British fighter nears the one-year mark of inactivity due to injury, according to UFC president Dana White.
Aspinall, 33, has been sidelined since October 2025, when his first title defense against Ciryl Gane was ruled a no-contest. The bout was halted after Aspinall sustained a rare eye condition and persistent double vision following repeated eye pokes from his French opponent, necessitating surgery.
White addressed the situation directly, noting that discussions regarding the title are imminent. He drew parallels to recent events involving fellow champion Valentina Shevchenko, who vacated her flyweight belt earlier this month due to ongoing physical issues.
“Valentina doesn’t want to tie up the division and I’m assuming Tom feels the same way,” White said. “We’ll definitely be talking about that. I don’t know personally where he is health-wise. We should clear that up soon.”
Earlier this year, in June, Aspinall announced his return to full training and expressed optimism for a potential rematch with Gane as early as September. However, plans shifted when Gane captured the interim heavyweight title at the UFC’s White House event in June by defeating Alex Pereira. Gane subsequently called for the immediate showdown with Aspinall.
Speculation regarding Aspinall’s future surfaced in late August, prompting him to firmly deny rumors that he intended to leave the organization. The Briton currently holds a professional MMA record of 15 wins, three defeats, and one no-contest.
UFC only cares about money. Too bad for the fans who wanted to see Aspinall defend his belt.
Is Aspinall okay? I hope his eye condition doesn’t have long-term effects. Health comes first.
This feels like a mistake. They should let him return if he’s healthy rather than stripping him.
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since that no-contest. When do we get the real rematch?
Honestly, keeping a title while inactive for a year hurts the sport. Dana is right to consider vacating it.