TLDR
- Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title due to an ongoing eye injury
- Fellow fighter Mario Pinto publicly backed Aspinall to make a successful comeback
- No timeline has been announced for when Aspinall might return to competition
- The UFC will need to determine a new heavyweight champion following the vacancy
- Aspinall’s decision allows the heavyweight division to move forward while he recovers
Sources: middleeasy.com | skysports.com
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has vacated his title due to an ongoing eye injury. The British fighter made the decision to relinquish the belt rather than hold up the heavyweight division while dealing with the medical issue.
Fellow UFC heavyweight Mario Pinto has publicly backed Aspinall to make a successful comeback once he recovers. Pinto’s support came through comments reported by Sky Sports on September 17, 2026.
The nature and severity of Aspinall’s eye injury have not been fully disclosed. No timeline has been announced for when the former champion might return to competition.
Dana White on Tom Aspinall: "I promise you this, if I did not like Tom I would say it. And when guys sign with Eddie Hearn, and this is no bullshit, I'm not taking shots, we fucking crack up laughing. It's hilarious. So, no, I don't dislike Tom and anybody else that wants to sign… pic.twitter.com/EQDlxFW4Py
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 20, 2026
Aspinall’s Championship Run Cut Short
Aspinall had established himself as one of the top heavyweights in the UFC before the injury forced him out. The Manchester native was known for his speed and technical skills in the heavyweight division.
The decision to vacate the title means the UFC will need to determine a new heavyweight champion. The promotion has not yet announced plans for how they will crown Aspinall’s successor.
Eye injuries can be particularly concerning for fighters due to the long-term risks involved with combat sports. Many fighters have been forced into early retirement or extended layoffs due to vision problems.
Pinto Among Those Supporting Return
Mario Pinto is one of the rising names in the UFC heavyweight division. His public backing of Aspinall suggests respect among competitors for the former champion.
The heavyweight division has been one of the most active in the UFC in recent years. Multiple contenders are likely positioning themselves for title opportunities following Aspinall’s departure.
Aspinall’s injury comes at a time when British mixed martial arts has been growing. Several UK fighters have made their mark in the UFC across different weight classes.
The UFC has dealt with similar situations before when champions have been forced to vacate titles due to injuries. The organization typically arranges fights between top contenders to crown new champions.
No statement has been released directly from Aspinall regarding his plans for recovery or potential return date. Medical clearance will be required before he can compete again.
Pinto’s comments were made during coverage by Sky Sports, which has been broadcasting UFC events in the United Kingdom. The broadcaster reported on Pinto’s support for Aspinall’s eventual comeback on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
