Tom Aspinall has declared that he is relinquishing the UFC heavyweight title due to difficulties in obtaining medical clearance to compete again, stemming from a persistent eye injury.
I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing. I know what it’s like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title. He further explained that taking a break from the title does not equate to abandoning the sport or his aspirations. However, he sustained an injury just weeks prior to his first title defense scheduled for November.
In early 2023, Jones secured the heavyweight championship. Consequently, he did not return to defend his title until November 2024. Aspinall, who claimed the interim title in November 2023, was unable to unify the championships against Jones during this period. Instead, he chose to defend the interim title – a rare decision – and successfully defeated Curtis Blaydes in July 2024 to maintain his status.
Because i don’t want to hold the Heavyweight division up, “I asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement.
Stressing that he understands that there have been inquiries regarding his silence, he said that he is consistently adhered to the guidance of the UFC , prioritizing his recovery. “I have now made the decision to vacate the Heavyweight Title,” he said. Aspinall said he will persist in doing everything necessary to regain his health, obtain clearance, and return to competition at the earliest opportunity.
On Monday morning, Aspinall issued a statement, stating: “Ongoing eye complications mean I cannot get cleared to fight right now.
