{
  "id": 3644915,
  "title": "Heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall issues statement: 'I'm not leaving the UFC'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/heavyweight-champ-tom-aspinall-issues-statement-im-not-leaving-the-ufc",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T02:17:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/heavyweight-champ-tom-aspinall-issues-021708615.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "It has been ten months since UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall last competed inside the octagon at UFC 321. In his absence, the fight promotion organized an interim title bout between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira. Gane emerged victorious, setting up a potential rematch with Aspinall. Following Aspinall's signing with UFC CEO Dana White's rival, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency, speculation arose about his possible departure from the organization. Stipe Drvis, Aspinall's boxing coach, revealed on Instagram Live that the champion no longer wished to compete in the UFC. This news prompted Aspinall to issue a statement via social media. The statement unequivocally affirmed his continued commitment to the UFC, denying any prior statements to that effect. It further indicated ongoing communication with the UFC, promising regular updates to the public.",
  "summary": "UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has no intentions of leaving the fight promotion.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tom Aspinall not leaving UFC, denies prior statements",
    "UFC CEO Eddie Hearn's rival signed Aspinall",
    "Stipe Drvis confirmed Aspinall's UFC commitment"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Tom Aspinall's statement quashes speculation about his UFC departure, affirming his commitment to the organization and suggesting a return to competition is still on the cards.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}