Tom Aspinall has decided to vacate the UFC heavyweight title after being unable to secure medical clearance to return to competition.
The British fighter has not competed since October 2025, when his title defence against Ciryl Gane concluded in a no contest following an accidental eye poke. Since that incident, Aspinall has undergone multiple surgical procedures in an attempt to resolve the resulting complications, yet remains unable to obtain the necessary clearance from medical professionals to resume fighting.
In a statement explaining his decision, Aspinall outlined the severity of his situation.
Ongoing eye complications mean I cannot get cleared to fight right now,he said.
I've had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.
The heavyweight champion acknowledged the period of silence surrounding his status, noting that he had maintained focus on his recovery while working with the UFC to find a path forward.
I know there has been questions about why I have been quiet. I have always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we've tried to make this happen.
Aspinall emphasised that his decision to relinquish the title stems from a desire not to impede the progression of other competitors in the division.
I have now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. I asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don't want to hold the heavyweight division up.
Drawing on his own experience of career disruption, Aspinall expressed his reasoning for stepping aside.
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.
Despite extensive collaboration with medical specialists and doctors across multiple disciplines, a viable return to competition has not materialised.
We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen but, unfortunately, it is simply not possible right now.
The fighter expressed his disappointment at the outcome, reflecting on the long journey that brought him to the sport's pinnacle.
I am absolutely gutted. I have chased this dream since I was 10 years old.
