Published 29 days ago
UFC under pressure: who will claim the heavyweight title? Aspinall or Cejudo?
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The UFC finds itself in a delicate situation with the heavyweight title effectively vacant due to Tom Aspinall’s prolonged absence, sidelined by an eye injury for nearly a year. Henry Cejudo, a former double champion, is demanding a clear decision from the organization, while tensions rise between Aspinall and the UFC through his manager, Eddie Hearn.
To remember:
- Tom Aspinall has not fought for nearly a year due to an eye injury.
- Henry Cejudo demands that the UFC either strip Aspinall of the title or force him to vacate it.
- Aspinall’s prolonged absence since October 2025 threatens his status as heavyweight champion.
- Eddie Hearn, Aspinall’s manager, is under fire for his remarks about the UFC contract, worsening the situation.
The UFC now finds itself in an unprecedented deadlock regarding the heavyweight title. Tom Aspinall, the reigning champion, has not stepped into the Octagon for nearly a year after suffering an eye injury in his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. This absence has particularly frustrated Henry Cejudo, a former double champion and influential figure in the sport. Cejudo has not hesitated to call out the organization: "The UFC cannot afford to wait indefinitely. A decision must be made—either Aspinall vacates the title, or the UFC strips him of it."
Precedents within the organization do not bode well for Aspinall. Cases like that of Kayla Harrison, whose UFC tolerance was limited after a long absence, serve as a reminder that champions must remain active. Yet, Aspinall’s manager, Eddie Hearn, seems to be playing a dangerous game. By openly criticizing the champion’s UFC contract, he has not only drawn the ire of Dana White but also stripped his fighter of any leverage in negotiations. "Pissing off the boss is never a good idea," Cejudo quipped, highlighting the negative impact of this strategy.
With his absence stretching back to October 2025, Aspinall’s status as heavyweight champion is now on shaky ground. The UFC, under pressure, must now decide: keep the champion in place despite his inactivity, or enforce a change that could reshape the division. A decision that promises to be explosive.
The UFC is at a critical crossroads with the heavyweight title on the line. Between Tom Aspinall’s extended absence and rising tensions with Henry Cejudo, the organization must act quickly to avoid a crisis that could undermine its credibility.