Businessman reveals what's needed for Tom Aspinall to return to the UFC octagon.

Aspinall proudly displays the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Tom Aspinall may be close to returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon. The heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) suffered an eye injury during UFC 321, held in October 2025, and since then there has been no official timetable for his return to competition. However, the Briton's manager, Eddie Hearn, indicated that the fighter is progressing in his recovery process and may be close to being cleared to fight again.

In an interview with Bloody Elbow, Eddie Hearn revealed that Aspinall has already resumed training, but still needs to undergo some medical tests before being cleared to return to competition.

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"He's training, I think he'll have to go through some additional tests to make sure he's fit to return," said Eddie Hearn.

The businessman also highlighted that the heavyweight champion is motivated to return to the octagon and intends to do so as soon as he is physically able to compete again.

"He is motivated and wants to return as soon as possible, as soon as he is physically fit to do so," the businessman concluded.

Tom Aspinall is set to face Cyril Gane.

The fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest at UFC 321. Photo: UFC News / Twitter

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While Tom Aspinall 's return to the octagon remains uncertain, his next opponent seems to be practically decided. During the Briton's absence, Ciryl Gane faced Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Casa Branca and won the fight.

With this result, the expectation is that Aspinall and Gane will face each other again, this time in a fight to unify the division's belts. The two already faced off at UFC 321, but the fight ended in a no contest.

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