Summary
Aspinall at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/tomaspinallofficial
After an anticlimactic and frustrating result in his title defense against Ciryl Gane , Tom Aspinall envisions a completely different 2026. However, before returning to the world's most famous octagon, the Briton will have to undergo surgery to recover from the damage caused by the Frenchman's illegal strike, which injured both his eyes with illegal finger pokes.
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In a video published on his YouTube channel last Sunday (28), the champion revealed that at the time of publication of the video he had already undergone the first surgery on one of his eyes, and the second procedure will be done on the other eye in mid-January.
"I've already had surgery on one side, the next one will be in mid-January. We're working to get back," the fighter stated after demonstrating basic movements for beginners in MMA.
🚨 Tom Aspinall provides an update on his eye injury:
"I've had surgery on one side already, next surgery is coming mid-January. We're working towards getting back."
(via @AspinallMMA ) pic.twitter.com/EmO3Bj7sdh
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 29, 2025
Tom Aspinall has yet to defend his title.
Tom Aspinall receiving treatment at the hospital after UFC 321. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
After months of failed negotiations to unify the heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) belts with Jon Jones , Aspinall was promoted to the undisputed champion. However, the Englishman has yet to successfully defend the crown. In this context, Alex Poatan could benefit from facing Ciryl Gane with the interim title on the line and seeking an unprecedented third belt in the UFC.
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