Dana White Denies Friction With Tom Aspinall Following Title Vacation

Former heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall vacated his title this month due to medical issues involving multiple eye surgeries.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed he holds no animosity toward former heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall following the fighter's recent advisory deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The 33-year-old English fighter vacated his championship earlier this month to address lingering medical issues in both eyes. These injuries resulted from an accidental eye poke during a bout against Ciryl Gane last October, requiring Aspinall to undergo several surgical procedures.

Speaking at a UFC 331 post-fight press conference, White dismissed perceptions of a rift, stating the promotion finds it humorous when fighters sign with Hearn. White noted that Aspinall’s absence is expected to be lengthy as he continues consultations with doctors. The UFC has subsequently elevated interim titleholder Ciryl Gane to undisputed champion.

Gane is scheduled to defend the undisputed heavyweight belt against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden. Hokit earned the title opportunity following a victory over Derrick Lewis in June. While White acknowledged he dislikes Hokit's public rhetoric—referencing the fighter's June disparagement of former First Lady Michelle Obama—he maintained that personal feelings do not dictate a fighter's ability to thrive within the organization.