Aspinall with an eye injury after a UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Tom Aspinall 's decision to vacate the heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) due to a series of eye injuries caught much of the MMA community by surprise. Besides the rematch with Ciryl Gane falling through, the Englishman's own career future is at risk. At least, that's the opinion of Demetrious Johnson . He addressed the issue in a video published on his YouTube channel last Monday (14).
According to the former fighter, the likelihood of Aspinall returning to competition is probably small given the reality of the injury and the risks it entails. Although he did not go into detail about the eye problems, the now former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) said in his statement that he had faced several difficulties over the months.
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“Will we ever see Tom Aspinall fight again? Logically, deep down, I would say no. I wouldn't risk the possibility of losing my sight, of not being able to see my children. He could end up losing an eye. I'm thinking about the worst-case scenario… I would be surprised if Tom Aspinall ever fight again, simply because, when it comes to fighting or training, that eye will always be vulnerable.”
🚨 BREAKING: Tom Aspinall has announced that he is VACATING the UFC heavyweight title
“Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now.
I've had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to… pic.twitter.com/jIqn4WSZZw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 14, 2026
According to Johnson, Aspinall could lose his sight.
Tom Aspinall receiving treatment at the hospital after UFC 321. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
According to Demetrious, the decision to return to the octagon could trigger a series of concerns for Aspinall, since a new injury could happen at any time, even before he returns to fight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
“He could get a scratch, another poke in the eye during training, or another poke in a fight. Is he willing to take that risk? I wouldn’t, but on the other hand, Tom Aspinall probably has more courage than me, and that’s fine,” he concluded.
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