Tom Aspinall has decided to vacate his UFC heavyweight title as a result of "ongoing complications" with injuries to his eyes.
According to ESPN, the Brit confirmed his decision via a statement on social media on Monday, saying he was "gutted." Aspinall (15-3) said he had been back sparring and had a new fight date locked in, but an accident in training has brought a further set-back.
Aspinall has not fought since his no contest against Ciryl Gane last October, when he was poked in the eyes. He was forced to retire from the fight in the first round and has since had multiple surgeries in both his eyes.
Tom Aspinall pens emotional post
In a long emotional post on social media on Monday, September 14, the 33-year-old explained that due to ongoing complications with his eyes he cannot get medically cleared to fight revealing that he had underwent multiple surgeries accidents and infections.
He wrote, “I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further damage to my right eye. This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear.”
“I've now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. I've asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don't want to hold the heavyweight division up. I know what it's like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title," Aspinall added.
In June, Aspinall confirmed he was back in full training and working towards a rematch with Gane, who beat Alex Pereira that month.
Following Gane's win over Pereira, Aspinall said on his YouTube channel that the was ready for a rematch with the Frenchman and prepared to fight in Paris.
He stressed he wanted to return to action as soon as possible but on the advice of doctors, would not be fighting in the foreseeable future.
Aspinall said he has worked closely with different doctors and specialist to make his return happen but it was not possible right now but he highlighted that he is not done yet and will return health.
