Tom AspinallThe undisputed heavyweight title fight may be nearing a ceremonial end.
CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Dana White was asked about Aspinall’s extended absence at Zuffa Boxing’s post-fight press conference last night (Saturday, September 12, 2026). Specifically, White was asked if the UFC should treat Aspinall’s situation similarly to the former women’s flyweight champion Valentina ShevchenkoWHO recently vacated his title due to injury and an extended recovery schedule.
“We definitely talk about it,” White said. “Valentina doesn’t want to tie up the division, and I assume Tom feels the same way. I don’t know personally where she stands with all the health, but we should figure that out soon.”
White did not directly confirm that Aspinall would be removed or asked to leave. Still, his response suggests the promotion plans to discuss the heavyweight champion’s future sooner rather than later.
Aspinall has not competed since his first undisputed title defense Cyril Gane At UFC 321 in October 2025. This fight ended in a “No Contest” in the first round Gane poked Aspinall in both eyestherefore the Englishman cannot continue. Aspinall was later diagnosed with bilateral traumatic Brown syndrome and underwent surgery several procedures to repair the damage.
Next month marks a year since Aspinall last stepped into the Octagon. What’s even more remarkable is that he hasn’t stopped fighting from striking out Curtis Blaydes In just 60 seconds at UFC 304 in July 2024.
Shevchenko has voluntarily relinquished his flyweight championships following an injury that could sideline him for nearly a year. “Bullet” was designed for protection Natalia Silva at UFC 332but Silva is fighting now Wang Cong for the vacant belt until Shevchenko recovers. His team will be hoping he gets another title shot when he returns.
Whether Aspinall will make the same sacrifice remains to be seen.
