Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title after eye injuries end his reign

Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title on Monday after ongoing eye complications made it impossible for him to obtain medical clearance to compete, ending a reign that began with a stunning run of three finishes in under 80 seconds apiece.

The 33-year-old Briton had attempted to resume training after agreeing to a new fight date, but suffered a further injury to his right eye in a training accident. “Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now,” Aspinall wrote in a statement posted to social media. “I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.”

Aspinall has not competed since October 2025, when his bout with Ciryl Gane was ruled a no-contest following repeated eye pokes. He acknowledged that many of the complications he continues to face are a direct consequence of those fouls. “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,” he wrote.

With the division stalled, Aspinall said he chose to step aside rather than keep other contenders waiting. “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,” he explained. He confirmed that UFC executive Hunter Campbell and the organisation had been kept fully informed throughout his treatment, with the promotion working alongside him to explore every avenue for a return.

Aspinall’s record in the UFC stands at nine wins from ten appearances, with his last three victories — over Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes — all coming inside 80 seconds. His only defeat came before his title run.

The UFC has not yet announced how it will proceed with the heavyweight title picture. Gane, who was granted an interim title shot during Aspinall’s absence and knocked out Alex Pereira at the UFC White House card to claim that belt, is widely expected to be elevated to undisputed champion.

“I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve chased this dream since I was 10 years old,” Aspinall wrote. “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.”

Aspinall also announced he would be stepping back from social media while his medical team focuses on clearing him to return. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this absolute nightmare,” he added. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m medically able to be.”