UFC Asks Tom Aspinall to Vacate Heavyweight Title, Alex Pereira Eyes Chance

Aspinall's eye injury leads to UFC request, opening door for Pereira amid heavyweight division turmoil

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The UFC has reportedly asked heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to vacate his title while he recovers from an eye injury sustained in his fight against Ciryl Gane. This development has stirred widespread reaction from MMA fans, with some expressing hope that it could open the door for contenders like Alex Pereira to make a run at the championship. However, the situation has also highlighted the current instability and leadership crisis within the UFC's heavier weight classes.

Why it matters

The UFC's request for Aspinall to vacate his title has created uncertainty in the heavyweight ranks just as momentum seemed to be building. This move could potentially allow contenders like Pereira to make a push for the championship, but it also underscores the ongoing challenges facing the UFC's heavier divisions, which have long been considered the backbone of the sport.

The details

According to reports, the UFC has asked Aspinall to vacate his heavyweight title while he recovers from a severe eye injury diagnosed as bilateral Brown's syndrome. Aspinall, who has been sidelined since his title fight against Gane, was scheduled for a second eye surgery in January to address the issue. The UFC's request has opened the door for Pereira, a former middleweight champion, to potentially make a move to the heavyweight division and compete for the vacant title.

  • Aspinall suffered the eye injury during his UFC 321 title fight against Ciryl Gane.
  • Aspinall was scheduled for a second eye surgery in January 2026 to address the issue.
  • The UFC has recently asked Aspinall to vacate his heavyweight title while he recovers.

The players

Tom Aspinall

The current UFC heavyweight champion who has been sidelined due to a severe eye injury sustained in his title fight against Ciryl Gane.

Alex Pereira

A former UFC middleweight champion who is now eyeing a potential move to the heavyweight division and a chance to compete for the vacant title.

Ciryl Gane

The French heavyweight fighter who faced Aspinall in the title fight where the latter suffered his eye injury.

Josh Thomson

A former UFC fighter who shared insights into the situation on social media, revealing the UFC's request for Aspinall to vacate the title.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has been criticized by some fans for the organization's handling of the heavyweight division.

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What they’re saying

“The UFC asked Tom Aspinall to vacate the title until he was ready to go, and he said he'll be ready to vacate the title as long as they release him. Now that opens the door so he can go ahead and box. This is a really weird situation. The heavyweight division is just a total s**t show right now… We have a mess, we have a disaster on our hands. The heavyweight division and the 205 [pound] division are the worst they have ever been.”

— Josh Thomson, Former UFC fighter (X)

“Alex Pereira has a chance to make the HW division exciting again. He'd mop the floor with everyone rn.”

— TylerDur6 (Twitter)

“It wouldn't surprise me. Dana hates Tom.”

— DemonWatch4732 (Twitter)

What’s next

The UFC's decision on whether to allow Aspinall to vacate the title or to strip him of the championship will be a crucial next step in determining the future of the heavyweight division.

The takeaway

The UFC's request for Aspinall to vacate his heavyweight title has created significant uncertainty and turmoil within the division, highlighting the ongoing leadership and stability issues facing the organization's heavier weight classes. This development could open the door for new contenders like Pereira, but it also raises questions about the UFC's handling of its top fighters and the long-term health of the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.