UFC Champ Aspinall Speaks Out on 'Hating the Business'

Heavyweight titleholder's recent comments raise concerns about his future in the sport.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has opened up about his growing frustration with the business side of MMA, saying he 'just hates the business' and feels fighters are 'completely replaceable' to the promotion. Aspinall's comments come after a disappointing end to his first title defense last October, where he was unable to continue due to eye injuries sustained from illegal strikes. The Brit has been open about the lasting impacts these injuries have had on his life and career, and his recent remarks suggest the experience has soured his outlook on the sport he loves.

Why it matters

Aspinall's comments are concerning for his future in the UFC, as the promotion values fighters who are fully committed to the sport and brand. His apparent disillusionment with the business side of MMA could lead to an early retirement, depriving fans of seeing the talented heavyweight in his prime.

The details

Aspinall, 29, recently underwent double-eye surgery in an effort to heal the effects of the illegal eye pokes he suffered in his UFC 321 title defense last October. The champion has been open about the lasting impacts these injuries have had on his life and career, and he has been critical of how the UFC handled the aftermath of the disappointing end to the main event. Aspinall said he feels fighters are 'completely replaceable' to the promotion, and that they don't 'really give a s---' even when a fighter suffers an injury that could affect the rest of their life.

  • Aspinall underwent double-eye surgery nearly four months after his UFC 321 title defense.
  • Aspinall attempted to have his teammate hold pads for him six weeks ago, but his vision issues made it difficult for him to hit moving targets.

The players

Tom Aspinall

The reigning UFC heavyweight champion who recently opened up about his growing frustration with the business side of MMA.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has faced criticism from Aspinall over his comments about the champion's inability to continue at UFC 321.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love martial arts. I absolutely love it. I'll never stop loving it, but I just hate the business. I think that fighters are just completely replaceable and the business will make you feel like that any chance it gets. Even if you get hit with an illegal move, which could affect the rest of your life, they don't really give a s---. And no one else does either.”

— Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion (Uncrowned)

What’s next

Aspinall's recovery process and potential return to the Octagon remain uncertain, as his recent comments suggest he may be reconsidering his future in the sport.

The takeaway

Aspinall's disillusionment with the business side of MMA, stemming from his disappointing title defense and the UFC's handling of the aftermath, raises serious questions about how much longer the talented heavyweight will continue fighting. His comments highlight the tensions many top fighters face between their love of the sport and the realities of the professional fight business.