Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title due to ongoing complications from an eye injury that has sidelined him for nearly a year.
Aspinall has not competed since the fight Cyril Gane
ended without a contest last October. Gane accidentally poked him in both eyes and the Brit subsequently underwent several eye procedures. He still hasn’t been medically cleared to return to the Octagon and has decided to relinquish the championship.
Tom Aspinall explains why he relinquished the UFC heavyweight championships
Aspinall shared a lengthy message on Instagram announcing his decision to vacate the title due to recent issues with his right eye. The former champion revealed that he had previously agreed on a fight date and was continuing to spar before the accident caused further damage.
“I had previously arranged a fight date and was back sparring feeling great and ready to compete when the accident further damaged my right eye,” Aspinall wrote on Instagram. “Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot currently be medically cleared to fight. I have had a number of operations, accidents and infections and have been doing everything I can to get back to competing.”
Aspinall has decided to relinquish his belt rather than stop the heavyweight division any further.
“I have now made the decision to relinquish the heavyweight title,” added Aspinall. “I asked the UFC to let me make this statement because I don’t want to hold up the heavyweight division. I know what it’s like to have your career put on hold and I want other fighters to have a chance to compete for the title.”
In his post, Aspinall also clarified that he is not retiring from the sport and is looking forward to getting back into action.
“I will be back as soon as I am medically able,” Aspinall wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this absolute nightmare.”
