Tom Aspinall wants to make it clear that he has no intention of parting ways with the UFC.
The reigning UFC heavyweight champion has been out of action since October after his title defense vs. Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest due to eye pokes that left Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) unable to continue.
It’s been a whirlwind since, with Aspinall undergoing multiple eye surgeries, having others question his fighting future, teaming up with Dana White rival Eddie Hearn, and more. With the one-year mark since his last octagon appearance approaching, the level of eagerness to see the division move forward is growing.
On Wednesday, Aspinall’s boxing coach Stipe Drvis stated on Instagram Live that the UFC champ didn’t want to fight in the organization. Not long after, Aspinall issued a statement on social media correcting where his situation currently stands (via X):
If Aspinall is able to fully recover and continue his fighting career, a rematch with interim heavyweight title Gane (14-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC), who defeated Alex Pereira by TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June, awaits him.
