Tom Aspinall ‘absolutely gutted’ as he vacates UFC heavyweight title after eye poke controversy

• UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has announced he is vacating his title due to persistent eye complications and multiple surgeries following a bout last October.
• The 33-year-old British fighter suffered severe eye pokes from Ciryl Gane during his title defence in Abu Dhabi 11 months ago, which led to the fight being declared a first-round no-contest.
• Aspinall stated he decided to step down to avoid holding up the division, while expressing deep frustration that fouls during the fight significantly altered the course of his career, as he admitted he was “absolutely gutted”.
• Ciryl Gane, who secured the interim title against Alex Pereira in June, is now expected to be elevated to become the regular UFC heavyweight champion.
• Despite stepping away from the belt, Aspinall emphasised that he is not retiring from the sport and intends to return to competition as soon as he is medically cleared.

IN FULL

Tom Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title in bombshell statement as eye issues continue