Tom Aspinall has been medically cleared to return to the UFC, but his new manager Eddie Hearn has laid down a condition: the promotion must respect the heavyweight champion contractually. Aspinall, 33, has not fought since a no contest with Ciryl Gane in October 2025, after being poked in both eyes during the first round.
Multiple Eye Surgeries and Recovery
Following the bout, Aspinall underwent four surgeries on his eyes, with doctors warning he could have lost his vision. Hearn, who recently signed Aspinall to his talent management agency, provided an update on the fighter's status during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show. "He doesn't care [where]. Honestly, this is a dangerous fight, and some people still refuse to acknowledge that he had four eye operations and was told quite clearly he could have lost his vision," Hearn said.
Contractual Dispute Over Fight Purse
Hearn revealed that Aspinall's existing contract is outdated, referencing pay-per-view revenue that no longer exists. "Contractually, the numbers are completely unfair in terms of the value that Tom Aspinall brings into that fight," Hearn stated. "We're asking for just to be respected, and we'll give it everything. Just respect the fighter — that's it."
The rematch with Gane is highly anticipated, especially after Gane won the interim heavyweight title earlier this month by knocking out Alex Pereira in the second round at the White House. Gane has called for the fight to take place in Paris in September, a suggestion Aspinall has accepted. "Paris in September? I'll do that. I'll go to Paris. Let me know. I'll be there," Aspinall said on his YouTube channel.
Accusations of Illegal Shots
Aspinall has reignited his rivalry with Gane by accusing him of throwing illegal elbows during his win over Pereira. "I have to watch that again," Aspinall said. "It looked like there was a lot of illegal elbows going on, illegal punches, but generally, he looked good." Gane responded by noting their unfinished business, adding that Aspinall is a more complete fighter than Pereira.
Despite Aspinall's willingness to fight in Europe, the UFC is likely to hold the bout in the United States. Hearn confirmed that talks with UFC officials, including Hunter Campbell, have begun regarding a date and financial terms.
