Tom Aspinall responds to Dana White downplaying eye injury, updates recovery timetable
MMA Fighting • • general
Key Points:
- Tom Aspinall, promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones' retirement, has faced challenges including an eye injury from a no-contest bout against Ciryl Gane, delaying his title defense.
- UFC CEO Dana White initially downplayed Aspinall’s injuries, causing tension between them, though both seem to be working toward resolving their differences.
- Aspinall recently signed a management contract with Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, sparking speculation about a promoter rivalry with White, but Aspinall reports a positive relationship with Hearn.
- Aspinall is currently recovering from his eye injury and has been advised to wait several more months before returning to sparring or fighting, leaving the timeline for his comeback uncertain.
- Meanwhile, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane are set to compete for an interim heavyweight title on June 14, with Aspinall expected to face the winner once he is medically cleared.