Tom
Aspinall and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden are both not
in the United States, which is currently hosting major events in
their respective sports.
UFC heavyweight champion Aspinall (15-3) is currently sidelined
due to an eye injury suffered in his first title defense against
Ciryl
Gane last year. Meanwhile, Gane is scheduled to fight Alex
Pereira for an interim heavyweight title in the co-main event
of the iconic
UFC White House card on Sunday. While the champion of the
division is typically present in the interim title fights, Aspinall
has not been invited to the White House.
Meanwhile, Foden has failed to make it to the English national
soccer squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in America. Aspinall
recently met Foden, finding common ground over not being in the
U.S. during crucial events in their respective sports.
Uncertain Future
The winner of the fight between Gane and Pereira should ideally
fight Aspinall in a title unifier. However, Pereira says he won’t
wait for Aspinall to return to action if he wins the title.
Meanwhile, Pereira’s manager, Eddie Hearn, a rival of Dana White,
says he won’t let the heavyweight champion fight under his current
UFC contract.