All articles tagged with #ufc heavyweight
Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title due to eye injuries, prompting Georges St-PPierre to express concern for his vision. Dana White confirmed Ciryl Gane will not be automatically promoted to undisputed champion, requiring him to fight for the belt instead.
Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title, citing ongoing eye complications that prevent medical clearance. The 33-year-old Englishman, who has not fought since a no-contest against Ciryl Gane in October 2025, suffered a new injury to his right eye during training. This setback follows multiple surgeries and infections, making his return timeline uncertain. Aspinall stated he is stepping away from the title to allow other fighters to compete, though he insists he is not retiring from the sport. Ciryl Gane, who holds the interim title, is expected to be elevated to undisputed champion.
Alex Pereira has publicly stated that a rematch against Ciryl Gane is his preferred next step to win the UFC heavyweight title. The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion lost to Gane at the UFC White House event in June 2026, a bout marred by controversy over illegal strikes. While the UFC has not officially booked the fight, Pereira believes the timing is right because undisputed champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined by eye injuries. Pereira argues that a second chance will allow him to overcome the previous fight's irregularities and potentially become the first fighter to hold titles in three divisions.