Tom Aspinall targets UFC return this year after double eye surgery
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall hopes to return to the octagon by the end of the year following two operations to repair severe eye damage sustained against Ciryl Gane last October.
The 32-year-old has not competed since his title defence in Abu Dhabi ended in a first-round no-contest due to multiple eye pokes from his French opponent.
Following months of uncertainty surrounding his fighting future, the Wigan-born athlete has now shared an optimistic update regarding his physical recovery.
Speaking to The Ariel Helwani Show, the British fighter expressed clear optimism about a winter comeback.
They’re giving me the indication that everything’s going in the right direction and improving fast.
Tom Aspinall
There was a time when things were all up in the air, because we had some complications with it, but everything now is moving good, and I’m feeling a lot better.
Interim title clash creates new contender
Aspinall was widely expected to face a direct rematch against Gane upon his return to full fitness.
However, the divisional landscape shifted dramatically after the promotion announced an interim heavyweight title bout between Gane and Alex Pereira for an upcoming event on 14 June.
The winner of that high-profile contest is provisionally slated to face the recovering champion in a future unification bout.
Pereira recently vacated his light-heavyweight belt and is aiming to make history as the first-ever three-weight world champion in the history of the sport.
Outside ventures and heavyweight drama
Away from the octagon, the current titleholder surprised fans recently by signing with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn as part of a new talent agency.
This strategic partnership adds an intriguing layer of complexity given Hearn’s ongoing rivalry with UFC president Dana White over future boxing ventures.
Meanwhile, former champion Jon Jones remains absent from the active heavyweight picture following his sudden retirement last summer.
Despite recent online claims from the controversial American star regarding negotiations for a summer return, management has firmly denied that the veteran was ever scheduled to feature.
