Tom Aspinall vacates UFC title: Why did eye complications force him out?

Tom Aspinall, a 33-year-old British fighter, has relinquished his UFC heavyweight title due to complications in his recovery from an eye injury. Since his October 2025 first defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest due to eye pokes, Aspinall has dealt with a rare eye condition, persistent double vision, and multiple surgeries.

The fighter expressed disappointment in a statement, acknowledging the dream he pursued since he was ten years old. He stated his desire for other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title. Initially, Aspinall had planned to return to full training for a rematch with France's Gane, potentially in September. However, in August, he denied reports suggesting he would leave the UFC.

UFC president Dana White suggested Aspinall might be stripped of the title. Notably, Valentina Shevchenko vacated the women's flyweight title due to persistent injuries. Gane had previously defeated Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title in June, subsequently demanding a rematch with Aspinall.