Tom Aspinall Awaits Eye Healing, May Need Fourth Surgery Amid UFC Title Vacancy
Tom Aspinall faces another setback, hoping to avoid more surgery.
UFC CEO Dana White discussed Aspinall's status as heavyweight champion with reporters. Following this, Aspinall stated he has relinquished the UFC heavyweight title due to an accident affecting his right eye, which prevents medical clearance.
Details emerged on "The Ariel Helwani Show," indicating Aspinall will wait until early 2027 to determine if further surgery is necessary.
"They’ve told him to return in January," Helwani reported. "He needs to let the eye heal. Rest, avoid any contact or injury. If it doesn't fully recover by then, it could mean a fourth surgery and a third on his right eye, which would be devastating."
Aspinall already underwent multiple surgeries after Ciryl Gane poked him in both eyes during their Oct. 2025 title fight. An infection was an initial complication. This latest issue stems from reinjuring his right eye during sparring while preparing for a potential rematch with Gane in November.
Aspinall's team remains optimistic about his return to the Octagon, though the duration of this recovery period is uncertain.
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