Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has vacated his title after suffering further complications from an ongoing eye injury.
The British mixed martial artist announced his decision on Monday, saying an accident caused additional damage to his right eye while he was preparing to return to competition.
Aspinall said he had previously agreed to a fight date and had resumed sparring before the latest setback interrupted his preparations.
“I had 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,” Aspinall wrote on Instagram.
“This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear.” The 33-year-old said he decided to relinquish the heavyweight championship rather than keep the division waiting while he undergoes further treatment and recovery.
Aspinall has undergone multiple surgeries since suffering severe eye pokes during his title defence against Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi in October last year.
The bout was stopped in the first round after Aspinall was unable to continue, with the contest subsequently ruled a no-contest.
Also Read: Trump plans UFC cage fight for 80th birthday
The eye injury has continued to affect the British fighter, who has faced an extended period away from competition while undergoing treatment.
Despite returning to training and feeling ready to fight again, the latest accident caused further damage and forced him to reconsider his immediate future in the heavyweight division.
Aspinall said the uncertainty surrounding his recovery made it unfair to keep the championship tied up while other fighters waited for an opportunity to compete for the belt.
Aspinall’s decision to vacate the championship clears the way for Ciryl Gane to be elevated to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.
Gane captured the interim heavyweight title with a victory over Alex Pereira in June and is now positioned to take over the division following Aspinall’s departure.
The development brings a major change to the UFC heavyweight division, with the championship now set to move forward without its previous titleholder.
Aspinall’s absence also creates an opportunity for other heavyweight contenders to establish themselves in the division while he focuses on recovering from his injury.
Although Aspinall is stepping away from the championship, he stressed that his decision does not represent retirement.
The British fighter said he remains committed to returning to the sport once he is medically cleared and able to compete safely. “Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream,” he wrote.
“I’ll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.” Aspinall’s statement leaves the timing of his return uncertain, with his immediate priority now focused on his recovery and the long-term health of his right eye.
The former champion will therefore remain away from competition until he is able to receive the necessary medical clearance to resume fighting.
His decision to vacate the belt brings an end to his current reign but leaves open the possibility of a return to the UFC heavyweight title picture once he is fully recovered.
Al Jazeera
