Wigan's Tom Aspinall makes difficult UFC decision - 'Simply not possible...'
Wigan's Tom Aspinall insists he's 'not done' - despite making the difficult decision to vacate his UFC heavyweight title due to his ongoing eye problems.
The 33-year-old from Atherton - who regularly trains at Wigan's Robin Park - hasn't fought since he was poked in the eyes by Cyril Gane in October last year.
His maiden title defence was labelled a 'no-contest' after the first-round controversy, and since then, Aspinall has undergone 'multiple surgeries' on both eyes.
While awaiting medical clearance to continue his career, Aspinall will step back and allow the division to continue without him.
"Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now," he acknowledged.
"I've had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.
"I’d previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further damage to my right eye.
"This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear.
"I've now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title."
Aspinall himself won the interim heavyweight championship by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023.
He stepped up at less than a week's notice after reigning champion Jon Jones suffered a serious pectoral injury in training.
When Jones elected not to fight Aspinall upon regaining full fitness, instead opting for retirement, the Brit was elevated to undisputed champion.
However, he wasn't able to fully enjoy his ascent to No.1 - and now remains in limbo.
"I've asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don't want to hold up the heavyweight division," he added.
"I know what it's like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title.
"We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen, but unfortunately, it's simply not possible right now.
"I'm absolutely gutted. I've chased this dream since I was 10 years old.
"I'm not done. Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream.
"I'll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible."