Tom Aspinall Undergoes Double Eye Surgery Following UFC 321 Injury
London, 13 February 2026 – UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall has successfully undergone surgery on both eyes this week as he begins a lengthy recovery process. The British fighter sustained significant damage during his title defence against Ciryl Gane on 25 October 2025, an encounter marred by multiple eye pokes that have since left the champion’s career in temporary limbo.
Medical Update and Recovery
Following the bout in Abu Dhabi, Aspinall was diagnosed with bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome, a rare condition that restricted his eyes’ upward and inward movement, resulting in persistent double vision. After months of specialist consultation, the Atherton-based fighter underwent corrective procedures on both eyes to restore his vision to “fighting fitness.”
On 11 February 2026, Aspinall shared graphic images of his recovery on social media, showing significant bruising and redness. While the surgery was deemed a success by medical professionals at Optegra, there is currently no definitive timeline for his return to the Octagon. Reports indicate that the UFC had previously enquired about Aspinall vacating the title during his hiatus, a suggestion the champion reportedly resisted unless granted a full release from his contract.
Heavyweight Title Rematch Confirmed
Despite the injury layoff, the UFC has confirmed that a rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane will be rescheduled once the champion is medically cleared. The initial fight at UFC 321 was ruled a No Contest (NC) or impacted significantly by the fouls, leading to the current demand for a definitive resolution to their rivalry.
Key Facts: Tom Aspinall Profile
The following data represents the verified professional profile and career statistics for Tom Aspinall as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom Aspinall |
| Date of Birth | 11 April 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Atherton, England |
| Professional Record | 15-3-0 (1 NC) |
| Height | 6′ 5″ (195.58 cm) |
| Weight | 255 lbs (115.67 kg) |
| Reach | 78″ |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Last Fight | Ciryl Gane (25 October 2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Tom Aspinall suffer?
Aspinall suffered bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome caused by repeated eye pokes during his fight against Ciryl Gane. This condition caused double vision and limited the physical movement of his eyes.
Has Tom Aspinall vacated his UFC Heavyweight Title?
No. Despite discussions regarding the status of the heavyweight division during his recovery, Aspinall remains the champion and has expressed a firm desire to retain his title while he heals.
When is Tom Aspinall’s next fight?
There is no confirmed date for his return. While a rematch with Ciryl Gane is planned, it depends entirely on the success of his post-surgery rehabilitation and clearing medical protocols.
Where does Tom Aspinall train?
Aspinall is based in North West England, primarily training out of Team Kaobon in Liverpool and facilities in Greater Manchester.