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Dana White Reveals UFC 'Will Be Talking About' Stripping Tom Aspinall of Heavyweight Title
Dana White said talks will begin soon as Aspinall nears a year out with unresolved eye injuries and no medical clearance.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the organization will assess Tom Aspinall's status as heavyweight champion as he approaches a full year of inactivity due to persistent eye injuries.
Next month marks one year since Aspinall's controversial Abu Dhabi title fight with Ciryl Gane ended in a No Contest after repeated eye pokes; the Briton underwent multiple surgeries but remains uncleared to compete.
After Valentina Shevchenko vacated her flyweight title earlier this month due to injuries, White noted, "Valentina doesn't want to tie up the division and I'm assuming Tom feels the same way."
Tensions between Aspinall and the UFC have persisted since he signed a management deal earlier this year with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Talent Agency, though White has yet to make a final decision.
Ciryl Gane won the interim heavyweight title by defeating Alex Pereira in June and has called for a rematch with Aspinall as the UFC evaluates the heavyweight division's path forward.