Overview
- The fight with Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest on October 26, 2025 after repeated eye pokes left Aspinall unable to continue and forced a prolonged recovery.
- Aspinall said on the Great Company podcast that he has had three eye surgeries — one on the left eye and two on the right — and described the procedures as extremely painful and frightening.
- Reports say Aspinall is now cleared to resume training but has not received an official fight date and is awaiting confirmation of his comeback.
- Ciryl Gane regained an interim heavyweight title in June by knocking out Alex Pereira, which creates clear rematch stakes between Gane and a still-recovering Aspinall.
- The case has sharpened debate over fighter safety and officiating after the eye-poke stoppage, and it interrupts the career of a champion who rose quickly through the division after wins at UFC 295 and UFC 304.