Tom Aspinall Vacates UFC Heavyweight Title Over Ongoing Eye Damage

Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight championship after suffering further damage to his right eye during sparring, per ESPN and Al Jazeera. The British champion announced the decision via Instagram on September 14, saying he did not want to hold the division hostage while he recovers.

The eye problems trace back to UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi last October, when Aspinall sustained severe eye pokes during his title bout against Ciryl Gane. That fight was ruled a first-round no contest. Multiple surgeries followed, and Aspinall was working toward a rematch when a training accident caused additional damage.

"I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great," Aspinall said. "This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear."

Aspinall was clear that he was stepping away from the title, not the sport. "I don't want to hold the heavyweight division up," he said. "I've had multiple surgeries, accidents, and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing. Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport."

With the belt vacant, Ciryl Gane, who defeated Alex Pereira in June for the interim heavyweight title, is expected to be elevated to undisputed champion. Jon Jones, who retired in 2024 without facing Aspinall, posted "my sentiments exactly" on social media in response to the news, per SI, suggesting skepticism about the severity of the injury.

Aspinall had been promoted to undisputed champion following Jones' retirement. His exit marks the second consecutive vacancy at heavyweight in as many years.