UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall Shuts Down Rumors Of Potential UFC Exit After Months of Inactivity

Tom Aspinall has remained sidelined from competition since the eye poke fiasco which ended his first title defense in disappointment.

UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall Shuts Down Rumors Of Potential UFC Exit After Months of Inactivity

Tom Aspinall shuts down UFC exit (via MMA Fighting)

Tom Aspinall has enjoyed one of the UFC heavyweight division’s most impressive rises. Known for his knockout power and submissions, he has never reached the third round in the UFC. The British star has finished every UFC opponent by the second round. However, Aspinall has remained sidelined since his UFC 321 title defense ended in a no contest.

Aspinall became undisputed champion after Jon Jones retired and vacated the heavyweight title. He faced Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, but a double eye poke caused a first-round no contest. The Frenchman’s foul left Aspinall unable to continue, forcing him into multiple surgeries while treating his vision since October 2025.

There has been no official update regarding Aspinall’s return to the Octagon. His striking coach, Stipe Drvis, recently claimed on Instagram Live that Aspinall wants to leave the UFC after months of inactivity and trolling from fans. However, the champion has now released an official statement shutting down the departure rumors.

I’m not leaving the UFC. I’ve never said I have in any interview and any words that have been taken from others today are simply not true. We are talking with the UFC daily and they will update you guys always.

Tom Aspinall via X

The message also highlights changes to Aspinall’s marketing and social media team following his partnership with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The heavyweight champion signed with Matchroom in March 2026, and the deal covers his career outside the Octagon and helps increase his public profile.

It is also important to note that Aspinall has not always had the best relationship with UFC leadership. CEO Dana White criticized the champion after he chose not to continue at UFC 321, believing Aspinall could have fought on. His comments received significant backlash from the MMA community.

White had also called out Aspinall over his reluctance to fight teammate Ante Delija if they eventually met inside the Octagon. UFC legend Michael Bisping also suggested Aspinall could face difficulties with UFC leadership. Bisping’s comments followed Andy Aspinall‘s discussion of a potential move to boxing for better financial opportunities.

What makes the situation more complicated is White’s ongoing tension with Hearn, who has repeatedly criticized Aspinall’s UFC contract. The Matchroom chairman recently escalated matters by calling for the UFC to release Aspinall. Hearn believes Aspinall could secure better opportunities elsewhere, adding another layer to the situation.

Ciryl Gane is currently the interim heavyweight champion after knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250. However, it remains unclear when Tom Aspinall will return, despite already resuming training after months away from competition. His recovery and ongoing situation with the UFC leave his next move uncertain.

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Polarizing heavyweight contender takes shots at Tom Aspinall’s recent clarification

Tom Aspinall has faced backlash from parts of the MMA community since suffering his eye injury at UFC 321. UFC legends Anthony Smith and Chael Sonnen criticized the champion for not continuing after the eye poke. Both questioned his decision and suggested the British champion could not match Ciryl Gane.

The backlash pushed Aspinall toward a more confrontational persona, moving away from his usual kind and good-guy personality. However, Josh Hokit called out the champion over the change. The polarizing heavyweight contender also made it clear that he can be the UFC’s only bad guy.

Josh Hokit asks for Tom Aspinall to be stripped off title
Josh Hokit asks for Tom Aspinall to be stripped off title (via X)

Hokit has made Aspinall a major target in recent times, repeatedly calling for the champion to be cut from the UFC. He has pointed to the Englishman’s lengthy inactivity as a reason for his stance. The American star also wasted no time reacting to Aspinall’s recent clarification about his UFC status.

Tom, I would like to focus in on the part that says “we are talking with the UFC daily”. Why would you be talking to them daily & who is we? You have a contract. I’d fight you tomorrow so opponents aren’t the problem. In June you started training. Tell us what the problem is, Tom.

Josh Hokit via X

‘The Incredible Hok’ is now focused on facing Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title. However, he believes that opportunity can only come if Aspinall is cut from the UFC. As Aspinall continues his recovery, Hokit’s campaign adds another layer to the champion’s uncertain future.

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