Tom Aspinall is preparing to face the victor of the upcoming interim heavyweight title clash between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira. The interim belt was introduced during UFC 326’s broadcast in Washington D.C. amid Aspinall’s current injury hiatus, positioning him to challenge either fighter once medically cleared.
Details of the Interim Title Fight and Event Context
The interim heavyweight title matchup between Gane and Pereira will headline on June 14, preceding the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Pereira aims to become the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion, while Gane looks to reclaim dominance by defending his interim heavyweight position. Aspinall, sidelined by a double eye surgery resulting from prior fouls exchanged in his fight with Gane, remains vigilant about this pivotal contest as it directly affects his comeback plans.
Aspinall’s Reaction to the Title Matchup and Recovery Status
Despite initial surprise at Jon Jones not being involved in the interim title picture, Aspinall quickly shifted focus to the scheduled fight. Publicly commenting on the division’s current state, he said,
“The division’s on its a—. There are not many big fights to make,”
Tom Aspinall remarked when questioned about his views on Gane’s opportunity.
He continued,
“Just took in the information. Ciryl Gane, Alex Pereira. Obviously, I’m gonna fight the winner of that. So just waiting now to be given the green light, the all clear from the doctors to start training again.”
He further explained,
“As soon as we can start training properly again, full-contact in the gym, we will be getting a fight date booked to fight the winner,”
and added,
“Just waiting to be medically cleared now and then we go. As soon as the doctors clear me, we will let the UFC know.”
Currently without a confirmed return date, Aspinall’s recovery from eye surgery remains the primary factor delaying his return. However, he affirmed his readiness to challenge the interim titleholder as soon as clearance is granted.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects in the Heavyweight Division
Aspinall’s ongoing rehabilitation has coincided with his signing to Eddie Hearn’s talent agency, a move that has increased speculation around a potential heavyweight title unification bout with either Gane or Pereira under Hearn’s promotional guidance. This could herald a significant matchup in the UFC heavyweight landscape, especially amid the backdrop of a division still settling after recent changes.
With June 14 approaching, the winner of the Gane vs Pereira fight will become the immediate target for Aspinall, who remains determined to reclaim his status among the division’s elite once fully recovered and ready to compete.
Focused on the return 👊💥 pic.twitter.com/nEQ1U6dL8M
— Tom Aspinall (@AspinallMMA) March 8, 2026
