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Tom Aspinall On His Return

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated May 4, 2026 10:40 AM ET

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has given his most encouraging update yet on his recovery from double eye surgery.

Following a hospital scan, Aspinall posted a video update that offered a clear shift in tone from the frustration that had characterised his previous communications on the injury. “We are just on route back from the eye hospital, where today, I’ve had a scan, and things are progressing f***ing nicely, which I’m very happy about,” Aspinall said.

The update marks a significant step forward. Aspinall has been out of action since UFC 321 in October 2025, where his heavyweight title defence against Ciryl Gane was ruled a no contest after Gane accidentally poked him in both eyes in the first round.

Aspinall Reacts

The incident required surgery on both eyes in February 2026 to address the muscle damage, and Aspinall has been working through the recovery process since — initially without the ability to train with contact.

“I am back in the gym, I am back training, not sparring just yet. But if things keep going the way they’re going, we are back…Any specific month depends on the UFC,” Aspinall added

Statistics	Tom Aspinall	Status
Record	15-3 (1 NC)	Active Champion
Last Fight	NC – Gane (Eye poke, UFC 321, Oct 2025)	Sidelined
Injury	Double eye surgery (Feb 2026)	Recovering
Medical Clearance	Pending	Imminent
Target Return	Post UFC Freedom 250 winner	TBC
Next Opponent	Pereira or Gane (winner Jun 14)	Confirmed intent

The Future

The path back, however, is clear. Aspinall has already named his next opponent — the winner of the interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, scheduled for the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House. The fight carries significant weight for the division in his absence.

A rematch with Gane — should the Frenchman win — would give Tom the chance to make things right. A fight with Pereira would represent one of the most compelling heavyweight title bouts in recent memory, pitching the knockout artist from light heavyweight against a champion with legitimate claims to being the most dangerous heavyweight on the planet.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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