UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall announced Monday on social medial that he's vacating his title due to "ongoing complications" with injuries to his eyes.
Aspinall hasn't competed since his no-contest against Ciryl Gane in October 2025, when he was poked in both eyes. He retired from the fight in the first round and has since undergone multiple surgeries.
"I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further damage to my right eye," said Aspinall, who returned to training in June. "This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear."
Aspinall added: "Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now."
Aspinall also revealed that he's endured multiple accidents and infections during his layoff, adding that he's "absolutely gutted" to relinquish the title.
Gane captured the interim heavyweight championship with a victory over Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Gane and Aspinall were expected to be in line for a title unification rematch upon Aspinall's return to the Octagon.
"Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream," Aspinall said. "I'll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible."
