“I don’t want to hold the division up”: Tom Aspinall confirms he has vacated UFC heavyweight title
Tom Aspinall has confirmed that he has vacated the UFC heavyweight title and explained his decision amid uncertainty surrounding his return to competition.
Last night, Dana White shared that the UFC is in talks with Tom Aspinall about vacating the heavyweight title, as he has been out of action since suffering injuries to both eyes in his title fight against Ciryl Gane last October at UFC 321.
Since White's comments, the MMA world has been waiting for Aspinall’s response. He has put an end to speculation and confirmed in his social media post that he has vacated the heavyweight title, emphasizing that he does not want to hold the division.
Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title and explains decision
Aspinall took to Instagram to announce that he has vacated the UFC heavyweight belt. He expressed that other heavyweights should get their opportunity to fight for the belt, as he doesn't want to put the division on hold because of his lingering eye injuries.
“I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. 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 wrote.
According to Aspinall, UFC officials, including Hunter Campbell, have been kept informed throughout his recovery and have access to his medical information. He said that various doctors and specialists have worked with him to find a path back to competition, but he is currently unable to return.
“The UFC and Hunter 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’s simply not possible right now,” Aspinall captioned the post.
Check out Tom Aspinall’s Instagram post:
A few weeks ago, reports emerged that Aspinall was ready to return and fight Gane for title unification. He confirmed that he had agreed to the fight but suffered another injury to the eye.
Tom Aspinall details comeback setback that led to title exit
Aspinall revealed that he had undergone multiple eye surgeries after UFC 321. He shared that he agreed to a fight and was back training, but that's when he suffered damage in his right eye, which is keeping him away from sports, and it's unclear when he will be medically cleared to fight again.
“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. This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear,” Aspinall revealed.
Aspinall was the interim heavyweight champion when he was elevated to undisputed champion after Jon Jones, who held the title at the time, retired from the UFC. Now that the Brit has vacated the heavyweight title, interim heavyweight champion Gane will be elevated to undisputed champion.
