Tom Aspinall ready to fight again as negotiations with UFC heat up
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 12:25 PM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Tom Aspinall is set to return to the octagon following a lengthy recovery from eye injuries. The UFC heavyweight champion has not fought since October 2025 after suffering eye pokes against Ciryl Gane. New manager Eddie Hearn is pushing for fair compensation in negotiations for a potential Gane rematch and expressing concerns about Aspinall's health risks. Aspinall's health has improved significantly, leading to discussions for his next fight, likely aimed for this fall. However, tensions between Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White could complicate negotiations.
- •Aspinall has not fought since October 2025 due to severe eye injuries.
- •Eddie Hearn emphasizes the need for Aspinall to be respected in negotiations.
- •Hearn claims Aspinall is making more money outside the Octagon than in it.
- •Negotiations with UFC for a Gane rematch are expected to take place soon.
- •Aspinall's health has improved, enabling discussions for his return.
- 12:33 AMESPN — Aspinall back in 'full training,' in talks to figh...
- 12:25 PMYahoo Sports — Tom Aspinall ready to fight again … if UFC will ‘respect’ him: ‘The numbers are completely unfair’
"After months and months of slow recovery news and drama, Tom Aspinall is ready to return to the octagon. The undisputed UFC heavyweight champion hasn’t fought since October 2025 when he was badly poked in both eyes by opponent Ciryl Gane. Thus began a lengthy saga that saw Aspinall undergo multiple surgeries to correct issues […]
"UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall confirmed he has been medically cleared to resume contact and shared Thursday that he has returned to "full training" for a potential fight with interim champ Ciryl Gane.
Sources
External links- ESPNJun 26, 2026, 12:33 AMAspinall back in 'full training,' in talks to figh...
UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall confirmed he has been medically cleared to resume contact and shared Thursday that he has returned to "full training" for a potential fight with interim champ Ciryl Gane.
- Yahoo SportsJun 25, 2026, 12:25 PMTom Aspinall ready to fight again … if UFC will ‘respect’ him: ‘The numbers are completely unfair’
After months and months of slow recovery news and drama, Tom Aspinall is ready to return to the octagon. The undisputed UFC heavyweight champion hasn’t fought since October 2025 when he was badly poked in both eyes by opponent Ciryl Gane. Thus began a lengthy saga that saw Aspinall undergo multiple surgeries to correct issues […]
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