UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has spoken openly about his uncertain return to the octagon, revealing that he is still dealing with the aftermath of a serious eye injury suffered in his last fight. The Brit has also addressed speculation about the possible reintroduction of an interim heavyweight title during his absence.
Aspinall has been sidelined since his first title defense against Ciryl Gane last October, a bout that ended in a no-contest after he was struck by a severe double eye poke. The incident left him diagnosed with Brown’s Syndrome, a rare eye condition, forcing him to undergo surgery late last year. He is scheduled to have a second procedure later this month.
The 32-year-old admitted that the recovery process has been slow and frustrating, mainly due to the delicate nature of eye injuries. According to Aspinall, doctors initially tried to allow the injury to heal naturally before opting for surgery, and he still does not know when he will be cleared to resume full training, let alone return to competition.
The uncertainty surrounding his recovery has fueled talk about the UFC potentially bringing back the interim heavyweight title, which Aspinall himself held for nearly two years. One possible scenario being discussed is a heavyweight clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, with the winner potentially fighting for gold.
Despite his current situation, Aspinall remains confident and motivated. He believes a potential fight between Pereira and Gane would be an exciting stylistic matchup, particularly for striking fans. At the same time, his own focus remains firmly on recovery rather than rushing back.
Aspinall has made it clear that his priority is his health and that he will not allow ego to dictate his return. While he is eager to get back into the gym and eventually settle unfinished business with Gane, he insists that everything must be right first. Until then, his short-term goal is simple: fully recover and return to fighting shape before stepping back into the cage.
