Matchroom Talent Agency client Tom Aspinall has today issued an imporant update regarding his ongoing rehabilitation from injury.
The UFC Heavyweight Champion has been sidelined since last October when his first title defence at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi was marred in controversy.
The bout with Ciryl Gane was declared a non-contest after double eye pokes rendered the 33-year-old unable to continue.
Aspinall, Britain’s first-ever UFC Heavyweight Champion, has since undergone multiple medical procedures in a bid to accelerate his desired return to the Octagon and to help correct double vision and mobility issues.
With no definitive timeframe on when Aspinall can compete again, the Salford-born MMA fighter has today, with the support and trusted counsel of his team, made the difficult decision to relinquish his title and focus fully on restoring his health.
"Ongoing eye complications mean I cannot get cleared to fight right now,” said Aspinall.
"I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.
"I know there has been questions about why I have been quiet. I have always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we’ve tried to make this happen.
“I have now 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 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 [Campbell] 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 is simply not possible right now.
“I am absolutely gutted. I have chased this dream since I was 10 years old."
Aspinall made history in June 2025 when he became Britain’s first-ever UFC Heavyweight king after he was elevated from Interim Champion to full Undisputed ruler following the immediate retirement of Jon Jones.
But he has emphatically declared that he is determined to rise again and will use this heartbreaking setback to spur him back towards the summit of his sport when he returns.
“I am not done,” added Aspinall.
"Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I will continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.
"What makes this particularly difficult is that many of the complications I’m dealing with are a result of fouls that changed the course of my career. Fighters rely on officials to enforce the rules and protect us in those moments, and it’s hard to still be dealing with the consequences today.
"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."
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn extended his support to Aspinall – the first signing for Matchroom Talent Agency – and is confident that he will overcome his adversity.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for Tom," said Hearn.
"But he has shown his total class throughout. Everyone at Matchroom is with him every step of the way.
"We are confident that he will succeed in his ultimate goal to return to the Octagon and reclaim the title that is rightfully his.”
Aspinall will not be making any further, immediate comment as he focuses on his recovery.
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