Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title as 'nightmare' eye issues continue - 'I am absolutely gutted'
By Will Conroy
Published 14/09/2026 at 11:50 GMT+1
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Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title because of "ongoing complications" with his right eye, with the Briton not having fought since October 2025, when the first defence of his belt against Ciryl Gane ended as a no contest following several eye pokes.
Watch moment Gane double eye poke on Aspinall leads to no contest
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 33-year-old has had multiple procedures after being diagnosed with a rare eye condition following last year’s bout, which he was forced to retire from in the opening round.
He said he had returned to sparring, with a date set for his next fight, but has now suffered another setback with an accident in training causing "further damage" to his right eye.Â
"Ongoing eye complications mean I cannot get cleared to fight right now," Aspinall said in a statement on social media. "I've had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.
"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.Â
"I know there have been questions about why I have been quiet. I have always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we've tried to make this happen.
"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.
"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."
In June, Aspinall confirmed he had returned to full training and was building towards a rematch with Gane.
Following Gane's victory over Alex Pereira, Aspinall said he was ready for a rematch with the Frenchman and prepared to fight in Paris, suggesting the bout could take place in September.
However, he has said a return is "not possible right now", describing the situation as an "absolute nightmare".
His statement continued: "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. I’m not done.Â
"Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I’ll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.
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"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. Fighters rely on officials to enforce the rules and protect us in those moments, and it’s hard to still be dealing with the consequences today.
"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."
UFC president Dana White hinted over the weekend that Aspinall could be stripped of the title.
Earlier this month, Valentina Shevchenko vacated the women's flyweight title because of persistent injuries.
In August, Aspinall rejected reports that he would leave the UFC.
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