Aspinall faces title-strip pressure as return timeline remains unclear

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall could be forced to relinquish his title if he fails to schedule a defense before the end of the year.

Oct. 25 (local time) will mark one year since Aspinall last competed. He fought Ciryl Gane on that date last year, but the bout was ruled a no-contest after Gane landed an illegal eye poke that prevented Aspinall from continuing. Aspinall suffered injuries to both eyes and underwent surgery, and his return date remains uncertain.

Just a month or two ago, Aspinall had hoped to return this month, but he has not been cleared for full training, including sparring. His agent, Eddie Hearn, recently said he hopes Aspinall will receive clearance to return to training before the end of the year.

Amid the uncertainty, warning signs are emerging over Aspinall's hold on the title. The situation has drawn comparisons to Valentina Shevchenko, who last fought Nov. 15 last year and recently vacated the UFC women's flyweight title after a new injury prevented her from competing. The parallel has prompted questions about whether Aspinall should be expected to do the same.

UFC President Dana White signaled he intends to address the matter directly. Speaking to MMA Junkie and other combat sports outlets on Saturday, White said, "That situation — Tom vacating the title — will definitely be discussed at UFC."

"Valentina, who vacated, didn't want the division to be held up because of her. I think Tom feels the same way," White added. "I don't personally know exactly what his health situation is right now, but I think we'll be able to sort this out soon."

Should Aspinall return before year's end, he would be required to face Ciryl Gane — who claimed the interim title by defeating Alex Pereira at a White House event in June — in a unification bout that would also serve as a rematch. If a date cannot be set quickly, however, a rematch between Gane and Pereira that is currently being pursued could take place first, which would likely intensify pressure from UFC on Aspinall to vacate.