“We Don’t Talk These Days” – Michael Bisping Reveals Shocking Rift With Tom Aspinall Amid Eye Injury Saga

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping casts doubt on UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's recent online behavior.

“We Don’t Talk These Days” – Michael Bisping Reveals Shocking Rift With Tom Aspinall Amid Eye Injury Saga

Michael Bisping questions Tom Aspinall's injury (via Bloody Elbow)

Tom Aspinall was viewed as the heavyweight division’s long-awaited stabilizing force after years of uncertainty at the top. However, the eye poke ending against Ciryl Gane and the backlash afterward appear to have changed his image. Since then, Aspinall has continued to criticize the UFC and those who accused him of quitting. That shift has now drawn questions from fellow Englishman Michael Bisping.

The controversy began at UFC 321, where Aspinall was set to make his first defense as undisputed champion. However, an eye poke in the opening round halted his bout with Gane and resulted in a no-contest. Since then, the British champion has remained sidelined while recovering from the injury. Aspinall has also shared details of the painful process through YouTube updates and social media posts.

Bisping understands eye injuries better than most after suffering a detached retina against Vitor Belfort that eventually cost him vision in one eye. The UFC Hall of Famer previously defended Aspinall throughout his recovery and urged patience. However, Bisping and fellow commentator Paul Felder have recently questioned the heavyweight champion’s behavior and prolonged absence from competition.

I’ve got to choose my words carefully here, but he just said he’s still not cleared to fight. But he’s been very vague with the details, very vague with the details. If I wasn’t cleared, because he’s got a YouTube channel, he posts content all the time, you’d talk about it. I won’t say it stinks, as a guy, I know Tom, we used to have a close relationship, we don’t talk these days, he’s a great guy, but I don’t know. Look between the lines; there’s something weird going on.

Michael Bisping via his YouTube podcast

Interestingly, Bisping was among the first voices to defend Aspinall following the injury setback. Drawing from his own experience, he urged the British champion to focus on recovery and avoid rushing back. However, Bisping also warned Aspinall against creating tension with the UFC and CEO Dana White. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the promotion while he was absent.

Bisping’s comments carry added weight because Aspinall has repeatedly criticized Dana White’s handling of the eye poke controversy. The Atherton native has expressed frustration over what he viewed as a lack of public support from the UFC head honcho. Recently, Aspinall also strengthened ties outside the promotion by joining White’s promotional rival, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent agency.

Tom Aspinall is gradually returning to training and could compete again in the future after receiving medical clearance. However, he previously vowed that fans would no longer see the same “nice-guy personality” following the criticism he received. That public shift in attitude may also have contributed to the recent tension between the heavyweight champion and Michael Bisping as his comeback approaches.

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Tom Aspinall is the latest champion to not be invited to UFC Freedom 250

The UFC Freedom 250 event is being promoted as one of the biggest cards in history. The event is expected to take place on the White House South Lawn during celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. While many assumed every champion and major UFC star would attend the historic event, recent comments from UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland revealed he was not invited.

Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall (via Fighters Only)

The event is particularly important for Tom Aspinall, who is expected to keep a close eye on the co-main event as Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane fight for the interim heavyweight title. However, Aspinall recently revealed that he was not invited to the June 14 showcase. The Englishman admitted he would prefer watching the event in person but does not mind following it from the comfort of his home.

No one’s asked me yet. To be honest, I’ve never really thought about it until you asked me. No, I don’t feel disrespected. They should come to me, I feel. I’d be there; I’d be there. If they asked me, I’d be there for sure. If they asked me, I would definitely go. I would like to watch the fight (Pereira vs Gane) up close. I definitely would, yeah. There are no excuses; I would. I have nothing to say otherwise; I would like to. I’m gonna watch it from home anyway, so if you’re there, it’s gonna be even better, isn’t it?

Tom Aspinall via his YouTube channel

However, it is important to note that Strickland claimed he was banned from attending the event. The controversial star suggested his past comments may have played a role, although the exact reason remains unclear. For Tom Aspinall, the focus remains on his return to competition. The Brit has already stated his intention to face the winner of Pereira vs Gane once he is medically cleared to return.

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