Tom Aspinall Vacates UFC Heavyweight Title

Tom Aspinall has vacated his UFC heavyweight championship due to ongoing complications from injuries sustained in his last fight.

The British fighter confirmed his decision via a social media statement on Monday, expressing that he was "devastated." Aspinall (15-3) revealed he had returned to sparring and had a date set for his next bout, but a training incident led to a new setback.

Aspinall hasn't competed since his October bout against Ciryl Gane, which was declared a no-contest after an accidental eye poke. He was forced to withdraw from the fight in the first round and has since undergone multiple surgeries on both eyes.

"Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I am currently unable to get medical clearance to fight. I have undergone multiple surgeries, incidents, and infections, and have done everything possible to return to competition. I had previously agreed to a fight date and had returned to sparring, feeling great and ready to compete, when an incident caused further damage to my right eye. This means more time out of the sport, and at present, the timeframe for my return is unclear. I have made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. I asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don't want to hold up the division's progress. I know what it's like to have your career stalled, and I want other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title," Aspinall stated.

Aspinall emphasized his desire to return to the Octagon as soon as possible, but on the advice of doctors, he will not be fighting in the foreseeable future. The 33-year-old fighter added:

"We have worked closely with various doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen, but unfortunately, at this moment, it's simply not possible. I am absolutely devastated. I've been chasing this dream since I was 10 years old. I'm not done. Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I will continue to do everything I can to heal, get cleared, and return to competition as soon as possible."