Aspinall Sidelined as UFC Heavyweight Division Moves On

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined nearly a year after suffering eye injuries in his title defense against Ciryl Gane, and the division is preparing to move forward without him, according to UFC CEO Dana White. Speaking at a press conference following Tuesday's Contender Series event, White said there was no new update on Aspinall's condition. "Tom Aspinall is hurt until we hear differently," White said. "So, the heavyweight division will just keep rolling." Aspinall has not competed since his bout with Gane at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025, ended in a no-contest after eye pokes left the Englishman requiring multiple surgeries. His manager, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, said additional testing is needed before the athletic commission will clear the 33-year-old to return. Hearn told reporters that the hurdle is not Aspinall's mindset but medical clearance, and he could not provide an exact date, though a rumored November return depends on the results of that testing. He has also suggested Aspinall could be ruled out for the entirety of 2026. The prolonged absence has drawn sharp criticism from a fellow heavyweight.