Tom Aspinall's Eye Treatment Confirmed as Surgical, Contradicting Dana White's Injection Claims
The fighting future of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a serious eye injury sustained during his bout with Ciryl Gane in October. Contrary to claims made by UFC president Dana White, Aspinall's treatment has involved surgical procedures, not injections as suggested.
Photographic Evidence Disputes White's Statements
During a press conference on January 24th, Dana White asserted that Aspinall's "surgery" was actually "injections." However, photographs shared by Aspinall on Tuesday provide clear evidence of a second surgical operation. The images, released through Optegra Eye Health Care, show the champion undergoing treatment for injuries caused by Gane's eye pokes during their controversial fight.
Optegra Eye Health Care confirmed their involvement on Instagram, stating: "After his highly publicised eye poke injury, Optegra's expert team is proud to have supported MMA fighter and UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall. Over recent months we've been working closely with him on his recovery. Following his operation on both eyes we continue the journey to get Tom's vision back to fighting fitness."
Medical Timeline and Recovery Process
The Independent has learned that Aspinall underwent an initial surgical procedure during the Christmas period and has not received any injections as part of his treatment. Nor is he scheduled to receive injections as he continues his recovery from the fouls that prematurely ended his first undisputed title defense.
The bout with Gane was declared a no-contest in the opening round after the eye pokes occurred, immediately following which Aspinall was transported to a hospital in Abu Dhabi where the fight took place. His recovery timeline remains unclear as he works to restore his vision to competition standards.
White's Controversial Comments and Aspinall's Response
This incident marks the second time White has drawn criticism for comments about Aspinall's situation. After the concerning ending to UFC 321's main event, White faced backlash for suggesting Aspinall did not want to continue fighting. When questioned about the 32-year-old champion's recovery in January, White responded: "Oh Jesus, don't let me talk about Tom Aspinall's eye. Apparently he's going in for a second surgery, or just had it, or... and by surgery I mean injections. I have no idea. Get a quote from him. God f***ing forbid I say something about it."
Aspinall appeared to take White's latest comments in good humor. When presented with footage of White's statements on his YouTube channel on January 25th, the champion joked: "[This is] about me? I didn't even fight last night! Is this Dana? Jeez. Catching strays, aren't I? Catching strays in my own living room on a Sunday morning!"
Historical Context: Aspinall's Championship Journey
The fight against Gane marked Aspinall's first defense of the undisputed heavyweight title, following his elevation from interim champion status last summer. Aspinall originally claimed the interim belt in November 2023 when Jon Jones suffered an injury, eight months after Jones won the vacant heavyweight title.
Despite both fighters holding titles simultaneously for seventeen months, Jones consistently refused to face Aspinall. During this period, Aspinall made the unusual decision to defend his interim belt, successfully retaining it with a knockout victory over Curtis Blaydes in July 2024. Jones eventually defended his title against Stipe Miocic in November 2024 before retiring as champion seven months later, paving the way for Aspinall's undisputed championship status.
The Wigan-born fighter's current medical situation continues to be monitored closely by the MMA community as he works toward a potential return to competition following these significant eye injuries.
