Tom Aspinall’s main priority is his eye health, as he deals with a scary situation stemming from UFC 321.
Back in Oct. 2025, Aspinall looked to make a successful title defense in his first bout since being recognized as the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. His opponent was Ciryl Gane. The fight was heating up rather quickly with Gane drawing blood on the champion.
Things collapsed after Gane accidentally double-poked Aspinall in the eyes. The fight was ruled a no contest as Aspinall could not see out of one of his eyes.
Since that night, It’s been a nightmare scenario for Aspinall, who recently underwent double-eye surgery amid vision issues. Speaking to Petesy Carroll of Uncrowned, Aspinall revealed a significant problem he’s experienced when attempting to train.
“Every time I try to change direction, it’s very disorientating,” Aspinall said. “The best way I can describe it is that it feels like I’m standing on a boat. I get really dizzy and it’s very difficult to focus on the area I’m attacking. It’s like I don’t know where I’m going.”
In addition to double vision, Aspinall is reminded daily that something else isn’t right with his eye.
“Right now, I’ve got a black spot in my eye and it’s there constantly,” Aspinall said.
Stipe Drviš, a former WBA light heavyweight champion, has been helping Aspinall in the gym, and he believes the changes in the UFC champion’s movement have been obvious since the eye problems began.
“He’s still explosive, but his balance is completely different,” Drviš said.
At this moment, Aspinall will be solely focused on healing in hopes of not only returning to the Octagon, but getting his life back to normal. What UFC decides to do with the heavyweight title in the meantime remains to be seen.
Do you think UFC will create an interim heavyweight title amid Tom Aspinall’s eye issues? Tell us in the comment section below.