UFC weighs removing Tom Aspinall's heavyweight crown amid severe eye injury
UFC president Dana White said the organization will consider stripping Tom Aspinall of his heavyweight title as he recovers from a rare eye condition that has kept him out for almost a year.
Tom Aspinall, the UFC heavyweight champion, suffered a rare eye disorder that required several operations after being poked in both eyes during his no-contest bout with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October 2025. The injury has sidelined him for nearly a year, prompting UFC president Dana White to announce that the promotion will discuss whether to strip Aspinall of his title to avoid stalling the heavyweight division. White referenced former flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who vacated her belt under similar circumstances.
Aspinall returned to full training in June, aiming for a rematch with Gane, who now holds the interim heavyweight championship, but a clear timeline for his comeback remains absent. Aspinall was elevated to undisputed champion after Jon Jones retired in June 2025, making his fight with Gane his first and only title defense. The decision on his status will be made as his health assessment progresses.
Why it matters
The heavyweight division could be left without an active champion if Aspinall cannot return soon.
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