Tom Aspinall’s UFC return hits medical roadblock due to eye injury

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's return to competition remains on hold due to a serious eye injury sustained in his title fight against Ciryl Gane last October. The bout ended in a no-contest in the opening round after Gane landed a double eye poke that left Aspinall unable to continue.

Eddie Hearn, who represents Aspinall, confirmed that the fighter has not yet received medical clearance from athletic commissions to resume action. Hearn emphasized that the delay is purely medical in nature, not a matter of motivation or mindset. "The only thing that we have to look at is when Tom Aspinall will be ready to return," Hearn said at a recent press event. "And that's not from a mindset perspective; that's from a commission perspective in terms of his injury."

The 15-3 Aspinall has undergone multiple eye procedures since the incident and reported that his recovery is progressing well. However, the fact that athletic commissions are withholding clearance underscores the severity of the damage. Aspinall previously criticized UFC president Dana White for what he felt was a downplaying of his injuries in the aftermath of the fight. While an exact date for his return remains uncertain, Hearn assured fans that Aspinall is eager to get back inside the Octagon as soon as he receives medical approval to do so.