Tom Aspinall is edging closer to a return to the octagon as he continues his recovery from double eye surgery. The UFC heavyweight champion has not competed since his first title defence against Ciryl Gane last October, which was cut short in the opening round after the British fighter was accidentally poked in both eyes. He was taken directly to hospital and has since undergone surgical procedures to address the injuries.
Progress in Recovery
Aspinall has been training for several months but is now optimistic about advancing to contact training. Speaking after a recent hospital scan, he said: “I’m just en route back from the eye hospital where I’ve just had a scan, and things are progressing nicely, which I’m very happy about. They’re saying 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, but if things keep on going the way they’re going, we are back.”
Next Opponent
The champion is expected to face the winner of the interim heavyweight title bout between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira, scheduled to take place at The White House next month. Pereira aims to become a three-weight champion when the rivals clash. Aspinall confirmed: “The obvious answer is that the other two guys, Alex and Ciryl, have to fight for the interim title. I’m obviously going to fight the winner. The UFC have told me that I’m going to fight the winner. First and foremost, I have to get my health right, which is on the right track.”
Regarding a timeline, Aspinall added: “No specific month. I’m waiting to get clearance, which is going to be coming soon, they just told me. Any specific month depends on the UFC. Those other two are going to fight each other. Let them do their thing first, recover from that, and then when everybody’s ready, we’re going to do it.” The winner could be ready to face Aspinall by November when the UFC holds its annual event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
