The UFC will assess Tom Aspinall's status as heavyweight champion as he nears a full year out of action, says president Dana White. Aspinall, 33, has not fought since October 2025, when his first title defence against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest due to an eye injury. After repeated eye pokes, Aspinall was diagnosed with a rare eye condition and had surgery.

Earlier this month, UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated her title because of persistent injuries. White was asked whether Aspinall should consider doing the same, or whether discussions had taken place about stripping him of the title. "We'll definitely be talking about that," White said. "Valentina doesn't want to tie up the division and I'm assuming Tom feels the same way." In June, Aspinall said he had returned to full training for a rematch with France's Gane and suggested they could fight in September. Gane beat Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title at the UFC's White House show in June.