UFC president Dana White delivered a humorous response when asked about Tom Aspinall‘s eye condition following an injury sustained during a recent fight. Aspinall, the current UFC Heavyweight Champion, remains sidelined due to complications from an eye injury caused by an accidental poke from Ciryl Gane in their October 2025 matchup.
The injury forced Aspinall to stop competing in that bout and since then, he has mentioned needing surgery on both eyes. White’s comments on Aspinall’s situation previously caused some tension, as the champion felt White implied he was looking for a way out during the Gane fight.
Dana White’s Candid Remarks at UFC 324 Press Conference
During the UFC 324 post-fight press conference, White was again pressed for an update on Aspinall’s availability. His reaction was notably lighthearted despite the seriousness of the issue. He said,
“Don’t let me talk about Tom Aspinall’s eye. Apparently, he’s going in for his second surgery or just had it. By surgery, I mean injections. I have no idea. Get a quote from him. God [expletive] forbid I say something about it.”
—Dana White, UFC President
There is still no definite timeline on when Aspinall will be medically cleared to fight again, leaving plans for a rematch with Ciryl Gane uncertain. White and other UFC officials had hoped to quickly reschedule that heavyweight title bout, but the situation remains unresolved.
Ongoing Challenges in UFC’s Heavyweight Division
The UFC heavyweight scene continues to face obstacles at the top level. Previously, a highly anticipated title unification fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall was planned but ultimately fell through. Now, Aspinall’s eye troubles are the latest barrier to solidifying the division’s championship landscape.
Meanwhile, the division’s competition moves forward. At UFC 324, Waldo Cortes-Acosta delivered a second-round TKO victory over Derrick Lewis. As the No. 5-ranked heavyweight, Cortes-Acosta could become a significant contender for both Aspinall and Gane if matchups align in the future.
Implications for Title Contention and UFC’s Next Steps
Tom Aspinall’s ongoing recovery and uncertain return date cast a shadow over the heavyweight championship picture. Dana White’s remarks underscore the uneasy status of the division’s top fighter and the UFC’s hopes to maintain momentum. Fans and analysts will closely watch developments around Aspinall’s health as well as potential challengers emerging amid this period of transition.
