Michael Bisping Reacts to Tom Aspinall Vacating UFC Heavyweight Title

Michael Bisping Reacts to Tom Aspinall Vacating UFC Heavyweight Title

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping has described Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the heavyweight title as heartbreaking, while urging the British fighter to take his time before considering a return to competition.

Bisping, who has battled serious eye problems during his own career, said medical science has advanced significantly and believes Aspinall still has a pathway back to the Octagon. He also warned the fighter against rushing his recovery and questioned whether UFC gloves contribute to eye-poke incidents.

Aspinall suffered a serious eye injury during his UFC 321 title defence against Ciryl Gane after repeated eye-poke concerns, with the bout eventually ruled a no contest. His planned rematch was later affected after he suffered another eye injury during sparring.

Bisping also suggested Josh Hokit should face Gane next in the heavyweight division, while noting that Aspinall’s health must remain the priority.