Demetrious Johnson doubts Tom Aspinall will ever fight again after eye injury forces UFC title vacancy

Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title after recurring complications from an eye injury prevented him from receiving medical clearance to fight, and UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson believes the 31-year-old Briton may never compete again.

Aspinall had been targeting a rematch and title unification bout against Ciryl Gane, but a sparring accident caused further damage to his right eye, ending those plans and ultimately forcing him to relinquish the belt. Johnson, speaking on his YouTube channel, said the severity of the situation makes a comeback difficult to envision.

“I sent Tom Aspinall a message today and I said, ‘Dude, I’m sending good vibes, I’m hoping your eye gets healed,’” Johnson said. “We don’t know if we’ll ever see Tom Aspinall again inside the UFC Octagon. Deep down in my gut, I would say no.”

Johnson framed his concern around the permanent risk that a compromised eye would pose to any fighter returning to training and competition.

“I wouldn’t risk the opportunity of me losing my vision and not being able to see my children,” Johnson said. “I would be shocked if Tom Aspinall fights again. Just because when it comes to fighting and training, that eye is always gonna be compromised. Is he willing to take that risk? I wouldn’t take that risk.”

The former flyweight champion also warned that the injury could have long-term consequences beyond Aspinall’s career. “This is something he’s gonna be battling for the rest of his life,” Johnson said. “He could potentially lose his eye.”

Aspinall himself has not closed the door on a return. Despite vacating the title, he has publicly vowed to come back once he receives medical clearance, leaving the situation unresolved as the UFC heavyweight division awaits a new undisputed champion.