Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Aspinall recently announced that he would be relinquishing his UFC heavyweight title after complications from eye injuries prevented him from being medically cleared to fight. The British heavyweight was hoping to bounce back Cyril Gane
in a rematch and unification of the titles, but an accident during sparring further damaged the right eye. Johnson now believes there is a real possibility he may never fight again.
Demetrious Johnson explains why Tom Aspinall’s eye injury has him doubting his UFC return
Johnson addressed Aspinall’s situation on his YouTube channel and said the severity of the injuries makes a comeback difficult to imagine.
“I texted Tom Aspinall today and said, ‘Dude, I’m sending good vibes, I hope your eye heals,'” Johnson said. “We don’t know if we’ll ever see Tom Aspinall in the UFC Octagon again. Deep down I would say no.”
The UFC Hall of Famer explained that he believes the risks surrounding Aspinall’s eye may make a return too dangerous.
“I wouldn’t risk losing my sight and not being able to see my kids,” Johnson added. “I would be shocked if Tom Aspinall fought again. Just because in fighting and training that eye is always at risk. Is he willing to take that risk? I wouldn’t take that risk.”
Johnson also expressed concern that Aspinall’s eye would be a problem for the rest of his life.
“It’s something he’s going to struggle with for the rest of his life,” Johnson said. “He might lose his eye.”
However, Aspinall has promised to return to the fight once he has cleared his medical.
