Tom Aspinall, the UFC heavyweight champion, is anticipating clearance for contact training soon, as his eye injury is healing favorably.
Aspinall sustained a double eye poke during his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The bout was subsequently ruled a no-contest, allowing the British fighter to retain his championship.
Following the incident, Aspinall underwent surgery for his eyes. While he has been back in the gym for training in recent months, he has not yet received medical approval for sparring.
During Aspinall’s absence, Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira are set to compete for the interim heavyweight championship on June 14th. The winner of this fight is expected to face Aspinall in a title unification bout later this year.
Tom Aspinall’s Latest Update
In a recent video shared after a visit to the eye hospital, Tom Aspinall informed fans about the progress of his recovery. He stated that his condition is improving well and that doctors are nearing the point where they might allow him to resume sparring.
“Things are progressing really well, which I’m very happy about. They’re saying that quite soon, if things continue to move in the right direction, I’ll be cleared for contact. I’m back in the gym, I’m back training, just no sparring yet.”
Aspinall remains uncertain about the exact timing of his return to the octagon. However, he is confident that he will face the newly crowned interim heavyweight champion, and the UFC has conveyed the same to him.
“No specific month [for my return]. I’m waiting to get clearance, which will be coming soon. Any specific months depend on the UFC.”