Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title as ‘nightmare’ leaves Brit ‘gutted’
Tom Aspinall has vacated his UFC heavyweight world title as the British fighter says he is “gutted” by his dream being ruined by a controversial injury
Tom Aspinall after his fight with Ciryl Gane that changed the course of his UFC career(Image: Zuffa LLC)
British champion Tom Aspinall has vacated his UFC heavyweight world title as a result of the eye injury that has wrecked his MMA career.
Aspinall, 33, from Salford, suffered two controversial eye pokes from French rival Ciryl Gane in his maiden title defence last October, which ended in a first-round no-contest. He has undergone several operations since in the hope of fighting again, with the aim of making his return to the Octagon this year, but has now been forced to shelve his career while he recuperates, reports the Mirror.
The now-former UFC heavyweight champion has since been diagnosed with bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome and underwent surgery in both eyes. UFC CEO Dana White revealed this past weekend that, after learning his heavyweight champion was still hurt, he would have internal conversations about Aspinall vacating the belt.
Tom Aspinall was poked in the eye by Ciryl Gane(Image: AP)
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In a statement, Aspinall said: “Ongoing eye complications mean I cannot get cleared to fight right now. I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing. 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.
“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. 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.
“The UFC and Hunter [Campbell] have been informed every step of the way and have seen the tests, procedures and medical information relating to my eyes. 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. I am absolutely gutted. I have chased this dream since I was 10 years old.”
Tom Aspinall has given up his title
In June, Gane halted Alex Pereira to claim the interim heavyweight title and the Frenchman could now be promoted. But Aspinall maintains he will return to reclaim the crown.
“I am not done,” he added. “Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I will continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.
“What makes this particularly difficult is that many of the complications I’m dealing with are a result of fouls that changed the course of my career. 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. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this absolute nightmare. I’ll be back as soon as I’m medically able to be.”
In June, Aspinall rejected reports saying that he was going to leave the UFC.
