RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Forbes — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sources
Gaming Tom Aspinall’s Next Fight: 3 Eye Surgeries, 10 Months, Beef With Dana White: What We Know By Brian Mazique ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011. Follow Author Aug 26, 2026, 08:30pm EDT Aug 26, 2026, 08:35pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has publicly denied rumors of leaving the promotion, posting a statement on social media. Aspinall, inactive for over 10 months due to a severe eye injury requiring three surgeries, addressed speculation fueled by his management deal with Eddie Hearn, a public dispute with Dana White, and comments from his own coach. Despite Hearn's offer to buy out his contract, Aspinall affirmed his commitment to the UFC. Medically cleared in July, he is now in daily discussions with the promotion. His highly anticipated return is expected to be a unification rematch against interim champion Ciryl Gane, potentially headlining UFC 334 in November, following their previous no-contest due to Aspinall's injury.
Tom Aspinall made it clear on Wednesday. He's not looking to leave the UFC. Aspinall took to social media and posted an official statement to shut down the rumors that have surfaced. Aspinall, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, has been out of action for 10-plus months, had three eye surgeries and a public falling out with Dana White.
He's also signed with Matchroom's Eddie Hearn as his manager. White and Hearn have been embroiled in a bitter war of words over the past few months. All of that together is definitely enough to fuel rumors of his potential exit from the promotion. What's really happening and what's next for Aspinall? Let's talk MMA.
Aspinall posted the statement to his own account Wednesday.
The rumor started with Aspinall's own boxing coach, who said on an Instagram Live that his fighter no longer wanted to fight in the promotion. Hearn had already offered in June to buy the contract out , putting in writing that Aspinall would earn three times more elsewhere.
Ranked heavyweight Josh Hokit called this month for the belt to be taken off him. Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev meet at UFC 333 in October with the winner sitting behind the unification.
Aspinall’s next fight has to be against interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. Aspinall and Gane’s first fight, back in 2025, ended in a no contest after the latter’s double eye poke left the former injured, partially blind and in need of surgeries to repair the issues.
Since then, Gane has gone on to win the interim title by stopping Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Aspinall still doesn't have a return date, but according to his post, he's talking with the UFC daily.
When the two men have their rematch, it will be one of the biggest fights of the year and it is a prime candidate to headline UFC 334 in Madison Square Garden in November.
Timeline as reported by the UFC and covering outlets.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.