Aspinall Returns To The Gym After Vision Scare
UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall has provided the most promising update on his road to recovery, sharing footage of himself hitting the pads.
The clip marks a significant milestone for the Brit, who has been sidelined since his October 2025 clash with Ciryl Gane ended in a “No Contest” following multiple accidental eye pokes. The champion was then diagnosed with bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome, a rare condition that caused persistent double vision and restricted eye movement.
Aspinall underwent double eye surgery in early February 2026 to correct the muscle damage. The new footage shows Aspinall without eyewear, working combinations with his coach. While the work remains light, it is a step in the right direction. While Aspinall is seen as the main man of the division, he does face new contenders. Alex Pereira moves up to face Ciryl Gane at the UFC White House card, while Gable Steveson has also joined the UFC.
The Challenges
“Gable Stevenson will become heavyweight champion. He can do it this year if he wants to. Tom Aspinall will get tortured by Gable right now. Tom looked sloppy against Ciryl Gane before he got poked in the eye. Gable has got powerful hands, all his fights are finishes. He has crazy wrestling, crazy athletic ability. “He’s hungry. You think he’s still happy about losing the NCAA championship in the last three seconds? Hell no. I don’t see a matchup in the UFC now at heavyweight that he does not win,” Tyron Woodley said
Aspinall is expected to be cageside at the South Lawn event to face off with the winner. Alex Pereira is currently bulking to a massive 250 pounds for the bout, while Ciryl Gane—the man responsible for Aspinall’s injury—is training with Pereira’s former kickboxing rival Artem Vakhitov to prepare for the Brazilian’s power.
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