Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title
Tom Aspinall has officially vacated the UFC heavyweight title.
Rumblings of discontent within the UFC began surfacing as Aspinall is approaching the year mark without fighting. His initial injury sustained in his clash with Ciryl Gane turned out to be much worse than first thought, and he is still dealing with the repercussions of that night at UFC 321.
Knowing the division is being held up in his absence, Tom Aspinall has announced that he will vacate the UFC heavyweight title and focus solely on his recovery.
“Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now. I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.”
“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. I know there have been questions about why I’ve been quiet. I’ve always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we’ve tried to make this happen.”
“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.”
“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. I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve chased this dream since I was 10 years old.”
Once medically cleared, Tom Aspinall has every belief that he will step back into the octagon. Aspinall said:
“I’m not done. Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I’ll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.”
Aspinall then signed off:
“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.”