Tom Aspinall announced he is back in full training after undergoing surgery on both eyes, clearing the way for a long‑awaited rematch with Ciryl Gane. The Briton has not fought since October’s no‑contest, where repeated eye pokes left him with double vision and a rare condition that required corrective surgery earlier this year. He posted the update on X, confirming his camp’s readiness.

Gane entered the spotlight this month, defeating Alex Pereira at the UFC White House event to claim the interim heavyweight title and demanding a unification bout with Aspinall. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who holds a deal with the champion, warned Briton against taking the fight under his UFC contract, citing pay concerns. Aspinall has accepted his deal but aims to maximise earnings outside the promotion.

Since joining the UFC in 2020, Aspinall has amassed eight wins in ten bouts, with seven first‑round finishes, and captured the interim heavyweight crown in 2023 before being elevated to undisputed champion after Jon Jones retired. Gane, a two‑time interim champion, has failed to secure undisputed gold, losing to Francis Ngannou and Jones. The upcoming clash will determine the division’s true champion.