UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is nearing a return to contact training, reporting a significant improvement in his eye injury. He anticipates being cleared soon, marking a positive step in his recovery process following the incident at UFC 321.
Aspinall sustained a double eye poke during his championship bout against Ciryl Gane, which ultimately resulted in a no-contest ruling. Despite retaining his title, the injury necessitated double eye surgery. While he has resumed training in the gym, sparring has remained off-limits until his full recovery.
During Aspinall’s layoff, Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira are set to compete for the interim heavyweight championship on June 14. The winner of this bout is slated to face Aspinall in a title unification match later in the year.
Tom Aspinall’s Recovery Progress
In a recent update shared with fans, Tom Aspinall expressed optimism about his recovery. He indicated that his eye is healing well and that medical professionals are close to giving him the go-ahead for contact training. Aspinall stated, “Things are progressing very well… They are saying that pretty soon, if things keep moving in the right direction, I will be cleared for contact. I am back in the gym, I am back training, no sparring just yet.”
While a specific return date remains unconfirmed, Aspinall is confident in his scheduled upcoming fight against the winner of the interim title clash. He has received assurances from the UFC regarding this plan. “No specific month [for my return],” Aspinall commented. “I am waiting to get clearance which is going to be coming soon. Any specific months depends on the UFC.”
This update suggests that fans can look forward to Aspinall’s return to the octagon in the latter half of the year, potentially facing either Gane or Pereira.
