Britain's UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has sent shockwaves through the MMA world after revealing a horrific training injury that threatens to derail his homecoming title defence.
The Manchester native shared disturbing images of a deep gash above his eye, sustained just weeks before his scheduled headline bout at UFC 304 in July. The injury occurred during a sparring session, casting serious doubt over his ability to compete.
Champion's Brutal Setback
Aspinall posted the graphic injury to his social media, showing a significant cut requiring medical attention. "Not ideal 5 weeks before my fight!" the champion wrote, accompanied by images that left fans and pundits deeply concerned.
The timing couldn't be worse for the interim heavyweight title holder, who was set to face Croatian contender Ante Delija in what promised to be a career-defining moment at Manchester's Co-op Live arena.
UFC's Contingency Plans Activated
UFC officials have swiftly moved to secure backup options, with Waldo Cortes-Acosta confirming he's been approached as a potential replacement. The Dominican-American heavyweight told MMA Junkie: "They called me about being a backup... I said yes, of course."
This development suggests the promotion is preparing for the worst-case scenario, where Aspinall may be forced to withdraw from the card entirely.
Manchester's Fight Night in Jeopardy
The potential cancellation would represent a devastating blow to British fight fans and the city of Manchester. Aspinall's homecoming was positioned as the centrepiece of UFC 304, with fellow British star Leon Edwards also scheduled to defend his welterweight title.
"This is every fighter's nightmare," one MMA insider commented. "To suffer this type of injury so close to fight night, especially for a hometown title defence, is absolutely brutal."
What's Next for British MMA?
If Aspinall is cleared to compete, medical professionals will need to assess whether the cut has healed sufficiently to withstand the rigours of elite-level competition. However, with just over a month remaining, the timeline appears dangerously tight.
The MMA community now holds its breath, awaiting updates on the champion's condition and the fate of one of the most anticipated UK UFC events in recent memory.
