Tom Aspinall Targets Early 2027 Return From Eye Injury, Says Manager Eddie Hearn
The short version
- Tom Aspinall hopes to return to the UFC in early 2027, per manager Eddie Hearn.
- Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title due to eye injuries.
- Hearn said Aspinall has had three operations and cannot currently pass medicals.
- Hearn said his role is managing Aspinall's profile and commercial deals, not UFC contract talks.
Tom Aspinall's manager Eddie Hearn says the former UFC heavyweight champion hopes to be cleared to fight again by early next year.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is aiming for a return to competition in early 2027, according to his manager, Eddie Hearn. Speaking on "The Stomping Ground" podcast, Hearn said the fighter remains determined to come back despite ongoing eye problems.
Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title because of eye injuries that will keep him out for the foreseeable future. Hearn said Aspinall has undergone three operations and suffered a setback when he was struck in the eye after returning to training.
Hearn explained that the issue is medical clearance rather than willingness to compete. He said doctors have told Aspinall that, in his current condition, he will not pass the medicals required to be licensed to fight.
Hearn, who also manages Ian Machado Garry, said his role with Aspinall is focused on building the fighter's profile and commercial revenue rather than negotiating contracts with UFC executive Dana White. He added that the team wants to avoid disrupting Aspinall's standing within the UFC.