Published on: December 4, 2025, 03:49h.
Updated on: December 4, 2025, 03:50h.
- Aspinall reveals he could be sidelined long-term due to potential eye surgery
- Will the UFC vacate the heavyweight championship or hold out for an Aspinall-Gane rematch?
- UFC 323 is scheduled for this Saturday in Las Vegas
As UFC 323 approaches this Saturday in Las Vegas, headlined by Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against Petr Yan, concerning updates regarding the heavyweight division have emerged.
Tom Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight champion, has recently voiced troubling updates regarding his health.
The anticipated title defense against Ciryl Gane in October turned out to be an enormous letdown, primarily for UFC CEO Dana White. This was supposed to be Aspinall’s crowning moment in his ascent as the undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement.
Injury Concerns
Things took a turn for the worse when Aspinall was accidentally poked in the eye during the initial round of their fight, resulting in a no-contest ruling. Following this, he was promptly taken to a local medical facility. The incident triggered a wave of backlash from the fans and fellow fighters, accusing Aspinall of not having the fortitude to resume the fight.
Appearing on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Aspinall discussed his options for eye surgery, including an injection for one eye, expressing disappointment in Dana White’s comments post-fight. White suggested that Aspinall made a choice not to carry on, a statement that has left Aspinall upset.
“It’s slightly disappointing since he hadn’t reached out to me after making that comment,” Aspinall shared. “[White] started giving updates stating my eyes were fine, which isn’t true … I believe I’ve contributed significantly to the UFC, so yes, I am disappointed.”
Uncertain Return
The UFC has inquired about Aspinall’s return timeline.
“I can’t provide an answer right now,” he stated during the conversation with Helwani. “We’ve submitted all the medical reports we have … that’s the best we can do.”
Currently, Aspinall has not been cleared to train and is dealing with double vision, only able to engage in light cardio and some weight lifting. He described his injuries as an “eye gouge” affecting both eyes, arguing that Gane played unfairly. Aspinall mentioned he has previously fought with one eye but never encountered a situation as severe as this. White confirmed a rematch is on the horizon.
“I’m not going to continue fighting if I cannot see due to someone else’s cheating,” Aspinall stated.
Future UFC Event at the White House
“I am the heavyweight champion of the world, don’t you forget. I’ve earned my position. I aim to return as soon as possible. [The doctors] aren’t sure when that will be,” he remarked.
This raises questions about the UFC’s strategy for the heavyweight division given Aspinall’s unclear return date. Reports have surfaced that Jon Jones, who retired in June, is in training and eager to make a comeback—especially for a UFC event scheduled on the White House lawn in June, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary.
This event has been a long-time aspiration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has a close relationship with White, ensuring it will be an unforgettable occasion. Events staged at the White House typically feature star fighters, making Aspinall’s absence significant.
Market Reactions
Mark Collier, a trader with BetVictor, commented on the betting landscape for the Aspinall-Gane fight, mentioning it was “solid but not remarkable.”
“Due to how the fight concluded, we’ll never truly know if it might have reached elite levels,” he noted. “The heavyweight division’s popularity has been inconsistent over time. Jon Jones, for instance, primarily fought at light heavyweight until his later bouts, and his rivalries with Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson also unfolded in that weight class. Heavyweight has fluctuated in popularity, dating back to Cain Velasquez versus Junior dos Santos.
“Although Francis Ngannou elevated the division with his finishing abilities, the real popularity has always belonged to lighter divisions, like Conor McGregor’s and Ronda Rousey’s quick finishes.”
With Aspinall potentially out for a good part of 2026, the question remains—will the UFC move to vacate the heavyweight title?
The Possibility of Vacating the Title
“It would send a negative message if Dana White decides to strip him and positions Gane for the title,” said Cormier. “Considering the heavyweight division’s limitations, I believe Aspinall will be given ample time to recuperate, train again, and likely face Gane post-summer. This is speculation, of course, but I anticipate that betting and interest will pick up as this timeline unfolds.”