Tom Aspinall Vacates UFC Heavyweight Title After New Eye Injury Setback

Tom Aspinall has officially vacated the UFC heavyweight championship after suffering another setback in his recovery from serious eye injuries.

The 33-year-old British fighter announced the decision on Sunday night, saying he did not want to hold up the heavyweight division while his return date remains uncertain.

Aspinall has not fought since October 2025, when his title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest after accidental eye pokes left him unable to continue.

He later underwent multiple procedures for injuries to both eyes and had been working toward a comeback before revealing that he suffered further damage to his right eye during training.

Aspinall said he is “absolutely gutted” by the decision but plans to return once he is medically cleared.

The UFC is now expected to determine a new path for the vacant heavyweight championship, with Ciryl Gane, Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich among the leading contenders in the division.