Aspinall vacates UFC title

Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight championship after continued complications from a right-eye injury left him unable to secure medical clearance.

The British fighter announced the decision on Monday, ending a title reign that began after Jon Jones retired from the heavyweight division. Aspinall inherited the championship but never managed to make a successful defense.

His only scheduled defense came against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October 2025. The bout was stopped in the opening round and declared a no-contest after Gane’s fingers repeatedly entered Aspinall’s eyes. 

The resulting injury required several surgeries and kept Aspinall out of action for almost a year.

Aspinall had been working towards a return and revealed that he had resumed sparring after agreeing to a fight date. 

Another accident in training then caused further damage to his right eye, forcing him to put his comeback plans on hold once again.

“I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title,” Aspinall said in a statement shared on social media.

He explained that he did not want to hold up the division and believed other contenders should have the opportunity to compete for the championship.

The decision leaves the UFC heavyweight division without an undisputed champion. Gane currently sits at the top of the contender rankings, with Alexander Volkov next in line, although the UFC has yet to confirm how it will fill the vacant title.

Aspinall’s exit adds another delay to a heavyweight division that has struggled to maintain regular championship activity. 

His rise had offered a fresh challenge at the top of the weight class, with his speed, finishing ability and 15-3 professional record making him one of the division’s leading figures.

The latest setback has interrupted that progress at an important point in his career. Still, vacating the belt does not signal the end of Aspinall’s UFC run. 

The 33-year-old intends to continue fighting once his eye heals and doctors clear him.