Tom Aspinall

UFC president Dana White said the promotion will discuss whether heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall should vacate his title after a year-long absence caused by a rare eye injury sustained in a no‑contest with Ciryl Gane. Aspinall has returned to training and hinted at a September rematch, but the UFC is weighing the need to keep the division active, similar to Valentina Shevchenko’s recent title vacancy.

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says he will be ready to face Frenchman Ciryl Gane in an undisputed title fight in Paris in September. Aspinall is recovering from an eye injury and watched as Gane got the better of Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title.