Dana White Reveals Tom Aspinall’s Comeback Is Still Nowhere in Sight

At UFC 321, Tom Aspinall came for his first-ever title defense, and the match ended in a way he never could have imagined. The fight was stopped after Ciryl Gane’s eye poke. Fans first thought the British fighter was faking his injury as he was getting dominated, but later, the truth came out that his eyes were seriously hurt. Since that fight, it’s been nearly a year, but there is still no sign of him returning. When Dana White was asked about it, he shared that the British fighter has still not recovered.

Dana White Reveals Tom Aspinall Still Hasn’t Recovered

On social media, the talk about the next heavyweight title contender is getting heated. After Alex Pereira called for a Ciryl Gane rematch to get a title shot, contenders like Josh Hokit have dismissed it, saying he is more deserving of it. Now, given the fact that everyone is calling each other out but there is no mention of Aspinall, it leaves the question of when he will return.

Now, at the Dana White Contender Series’ Week 5 post-event press conference, White has shared an update on Aspinall. “Tom Aspinall is hurt. Until we hear differently, the heavyweight division will keep rolling,” White said.

The UFC boss has clearly said that the heavyweight division won’t stop for anyone’s injury. Indeed, currently, the division is stacked with elite fighters and big names, from Waldo Cortes-Acosta to Josh Hokit. While at one point the division felt like it didn’t have much tough competition, it has now once again become one of the toughest divisions. Meanwhile, Hokit blames Eddie Hearn for the delay in Aspinall’s return.

Josh Hokit Blames Eddie Hearn For Delaying Tom Aspinall’s UFC Return

The undefeated heavyweight fighter Hokit feels that Aspinall’s return is strategic, with his manager, Hearn, playing a role. As per him, the British fighter is not returning despite saying he could make his return in June, but his return is not in sight because Hearn wants to buy time for negotiations.

Hokit said, “Eddie Hearn’s strategy with Aspinall is obvious: stall with ‘he’ll fight when cleared’ to buy time in contract negotiations. Back in June, Tom said he’d fight Gane Sept 6th. Now Eddie is talking out of his a**: ‘He’s training, he’s ready, he’s eager to come back.’ You mean he didn't get medical clearance before starting full training months ago?? Total BS.”

Indeed, it will be really interesting to see when Aspinall will return and whether he will remain the champion despite his long layoff.