Tom Aspinall’s UFC Future Clarification Backed by Dana White Despite Months Of Disagreements

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall recently cleared out rumors of potentially leaving the promotion.

Tom Aspinall’s UFC Future Clarification Backed by Dana White Despite Months Of Disagreements

Dana White reacts to Tom Aspinall's recent comments (via MMA Fighting, Irish Star)

Tom Aspinall remains the UFC heavyweight champion after clarifying his future with the promotion. The British star confirmed he has no plans to leave, while his team remains in constant contact with the UFC. CEO Dana White has now backed Aspinall’s comments and remains positive about the champion’s future.

Aspinall’s last fight came at UFC 321, where he defended the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi. The bout ended at 4:35 of the opening round after the French heavyweight accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes, forcing a no-contest. The British champion was unable to continue, allowing him to retain the championship.

Aspinall has remained sidelined since UFC 321, with no official timeline announced for his return. His striking coach, Stipe Drvis, recently claimed the champion would not fight under the UFC again, sparking immediate speculation. Aspinall quickly shut down those rumors before White backed him and confirmed their relationship remains strong.

He’s not going anywhere, we are good with Tom Aspinall. I didn’t know that, I didn’t know his striking coach said that. Obviously, that’s not true. When he’s healthy and he’s ready to fight, he’ll fight.

Dana White via Spinnin Backfist

White’s recent comments are notable given his earlier stance on Aspinall’s eye injury, which drew major criticism and created tension between them. After UFC 321, White was among the first to question Aspinall’s decision not to continue following Gane’s eye poke. The UFC CEO suggested the British champion did not want to continue.

Interestingly, Aspinall may have also entered White’s bad books after signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency. However, Hearn is currently involved in a boxing promotional feud with White involving Zuffa Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. The timing of Aspinall’s deal adds another interesting layer to the situation.

Hearn is now fully utilizing the Aspinall deal as leverage against White in their ongoing promotional feud. The British promoter has criticized Aspinall’s UFC contract as limiting and disappointing, especially given his status as heavyweight champion. Hearn recently went further by asking the UFC to release Aspinall.

Paddy Pimblett recently explained Aspinall’s deal with Matchroom Talent Agency. The Liverpudlian believes Hearn can maximize Aspinall’s earnings and potentially help him transition to boxing for greater opportunities. However, White remains confident the UFC can secure similar financial opportunities for its champion.

Dana White has consistently maintained that his earlier comments were never intended to disrespect Tom Aspinall. However, the champion’s latest clarification and the UFC head honcho’s support show their relationship remains intact. Despite their previous tension, both sides now appear aligned on the Briton’s continued UFC future.

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Tom Aspinall rose rapidly through the UFC heavyweight ranks, finishing every opponent before winning the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. He defended it against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. His rise became tied to the champion Jon Jones, who reportedly rejected a $30 million offer to face Aspinall before retiring.

After Jones retired, Aspinall became the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion with major plans for his reign at 265 pounds. The British star wanted to revive the division after years of disappointing title runs and bring back its golden era. His first title defense came against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, but the bout ended in a no-contest.

Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall (via CBS Sports)

Aspinall faced backlash after UFC 321 for not continuing against Gane following an accidental eye poke. He has remained sidelined while recovering and undergoing surgeries related to the injury.

As UFC exit rumors emerged, MMA legend Daniel Cormier defended Aspinall and urged the promotion to book his return quickly.

MMA is not a sport where you can really go anywhere else. You can build yourself in other places, but in order for you to ultimately reach the star level that you want, to make the money that you want or hope to make, it has to be in the UFC.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

Aspinall has remained appreciative of Cormier’s support throughout his UFC career, with the former champion consistently backing him.

DC has also backed the British star to defeat Jones if the two ever meet inside the Octagon. His latest defense further highlights their mutual respect as Tom Aspinall works toward his UFC return.

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