UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has provided a candid account of the significant difficulties he faces when attempting to train, a full four months after sustaining a severe eye injury in the octagon. The British fighter's first defence of the undisputed heavyweight title ended abruptly as a no-contest in October, when opponent Ciryl Gane poked him in the eyes multiple times during their bout in Abu Dhabi.
Ongoing Vision Problems and Surgical Interventions
Following the incident, Aspinall was rushed to a hospital in Abu Dhabi and continues to suffer from the effects of the injury. This week, the 32-year-old underwent a second surgical procedure aimed at improving his vision, having already received initial treatment over the Christmas period. Speaking to the media outlet Uncrowned just prior to this second operation, Aspinall detailed the profound impact on his training regimen.
Disorienting Symptoms and Balance Issues
The fighter from Wigan, who reports "constantly" having a "black spot in my eye", described his attempts to hit pads as highly problematic. "Every time I try to change direction, it's very disorientating," Aspinall explained. "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."
His striking coach, former world-champion boxer Stipe Drvis, corroborated these struggles, noting a dramatic change in the champion's physical capabilities. "He's still explosive, but his balance is completely different. It's not normal, but this is the situation he is in. He cannot see right. It's a big problem." Drvis further revealed that Aspinall must now rotate his entire body to see targets positioned too far to his left or right, with one team member citing an instance where Aspinall attempted to shake a hand but missed it entirely.
A Champion's Focus on Health Over Competition
Currently, Aspinall's priorities lie firmly with his recovery rather than a swift return to fighting. "I'm not even thinking about fighting at the minute," he stated. "All I'm thinking about is getting my health right, so thinking about a return date is pointless until that happens." He expressed a deep love for martial arts but voiced frustration with the business side of the sport, feeling fighters are treated as replaceable commodities.
"I think that fighters are just completely replaceable, and the business will make you feel like that any chance it gets," Aspinall said. "Even if you get hit with an illegal move, which could affect the rest of your life, they don't really give a s*** – and no one else does either."
Controversial Comments from UFC Leadership
In January, UFC president Dana White was questioned about Aspinall's recovery and responded with dismissive remarks, stating, "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." These comments alluded to previous criticism White faced for suggesting Aspinall did not wish to continue his fight with Gane. It is understood that Aspinall's treatment has not involved injections and is not scheduled to include them.
The situation highlights the severe physical and professional challenges athletes can face from in-cage incidents, with Aspinall's journey underscoring the long road to recovery after a traumatic injury in combat sports.
