Morning Report: Michael Bisping calls Tom Aspinall eye poke recovery timetable ‘f*cking weird’

Michael Bisping has expressed skepticism about Tom Aspinall's extended absence from competition following an eye injury suffered at UFC 321 last October. The heavyweight champion was poked in the eye by Ciryl Gane during their title bout, which was ruled a no-contest. Since then, Aspinall has remained sidelined as he recovers, recently stating he needs "another couple of months" before returning to training.

During his Believe You Me podcast with Paul Felder, Bisping—who underwent eye surgery himself in 2013 for a detached retina—questioned why Aspinall has been so vague about his medical condition and recovery timeline. Bisping underwent a scleral buckle procedure and returned to fight Tim Kennedy in April 2014, less than six months after surgery. Aspinall, by contrast, has now been out for over six months with no title defense scheduled. "I don't say it stinks," Bisping said, "but there's something f*cking weird going on."

Bisping also raised concerns about Aspinall's recent management deal with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, suggesting the fighter may be caught in a larger dispute between Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White over their competing combat sports promotions. Bisping speculated that Aspinall could be sitting idle while Hearn and White clash over his contract status, or the UFC might simply release him. He acknowledged that as an undefeated heavyweight champion on a winning streak, Aspinall is leaving significant earnings on the table—citing reports that Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria are earning around $5 million per fight.

Despite his frustration with the situation, Bisping made clear he wishes Aspinall well and wants to see him back in the octagon soon. He cautioned against comparing MMA compensation to elite boxing deals, noting that fighters like Anthony Joshua command such sums because they are rare exceptions in their sport.