UFC Heavyweight Division Faces Uncertainty After Aspinall's Injury

The UFC must act quickly to address the future of the heavyweight title with champion Tom Aspinall sidelined indefinitely.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall suffered a potentially career-altering double eye poke in his title defense against Ciryl Gane last October. With no clear timeline for Aspinall's return, the UFC must consider several options to keep the heavyweight division relevant, including the potential return of former champion Jon Jones or putting the division on hold until Aspinall's health improves.

Why it matters

The heavyweight division is one of the UFC's most high-profile weight classes, and Aspinall's injury leaves a significant void. The UFC must act quickly to avoid a catastrophic year for the division and maintain fan interest.

The details

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1, 1 NC UFC) was thought to have realized his dream as heavyweight champion after defeating Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2, 1 NC UFC) last October. However, a double eye poke halted the fight in the first round, leaving Aspinall's future uncertain. Aspinall has stated he is not thinking about a return date and is focused on his health, leaving the UFC to consider several options to keep the division active.

  • In October 2025, Aspinall suffered a double eye poke in his title defense against Gane.
  • It has been over 100 days since Aspinall's injury, and he has not provided a timeline for his return.

The players

Tom Aspinall

The current UFC heavyweight champion who suffered a potentially career-altering eye injury in his title defense against Ciryl Gane.

Ciryl Gane

The former interim UFC heavyweight champion who faced Aspinall in the title fight where the eye injury occurred.

Jon Jones

The former UFC heavyweight champion who is rumored to be considering a return to the division.

Alex Pereira

The current UFC light heavyweight champion who has expressed interest in fighting Jon Jones.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not even thinking about fighting at the minute. All I'm thinking about is getting my health right, so thinking about a return date is pointless until that happens.”

— Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion (Uncrowned Combat)

What’s next

The UFC has yet to announce any fights for the June 14 event at the White House, and a potential matchup between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira could be a way to keep the heavyweight division relevant while Aspinall recovers.

The takeaway

The UFC heavyweight division is facing significant uncertainty with champion Tom Aspinall sidelined indefinitely due to a serious eye injury. The promotion must act quickly to maintain fan interest in the division, whether that means bringing back former champion Jon Jones, putting the division on hold, or simply allowing Aspinall the time he needs to fully recover.