Tom
Aspinall has vacated the
Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title due to ongoing
complications from an eye injury that has sidelined him for nearly
a year.
Aspinall hasn’t competed since his bout against Ciryl Gane
ended in a no contest last October. Gane accidentally poked him in
both eyes and the Brit subsequently underwent multiple eye
procedures. He still hasn’t received medical clearance to return to
the Octagon and has opted to relinquish the championship.
Advertisement
Tom Aspinall explains why he relinquished the UFC heavyweight
championship
Aspinall took to Instagram to share a lengthy message announcing
his decision to vacate the title amid recent complications with his
right eye. The former champion revealed that he had previously
agreed to a fight date and resumed sparring before an accident
caused further damage.
“I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring,
feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further
damage to my right eye,” Aspinall wrote on Instagram. “Ongoing
complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to
fight right now. I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents, and
infections, and done everything possible to get back to
competing.”
Rather than further stalling the heavyweight division, Aspinall has
opted to give up his belt.
“I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title,”
Aspinall added. “I’ve asked the UFC to allow me to make this
statement because I don’t want to hold the heavyweight division up.
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.”
Aspinall also clarified in his post that he isn’t walking away from
the sport and looks forward to returning to action.
“I’ll be back as soon as I’m medically able to be,” Aspinall wrote.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this
absolute nightmare.”