UFC Champion Tom Aspinall Vacates Heavyweight Title Due to Eye Injury

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has vacated his title after suffering further damage to his right eye during training, the British fighter announced on Monday. The decision ends his reign as champion and leaves the division without a titleholder as Aspinall faces an unclear timeline for his return to competition. Aspinall, 33, revealed that ongoing complications from previous eye injuries have prevented him from obtaining medical clearance to fight. He stated that the latest setback occurred after he had agreed to a return date and resumed sparring. "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," Aspinall said in a public statement. "This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear." The champion's eye problems originated from his fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi last October. That bout was stopped in the opening round after Aspinall was unable to continue following eye pokes and was subsequently ruled a no contest.