Skim-MMA logo

UFC

ufcUFCDana White
Dana White considers stripping the British champion due to prolonged inactivity
UFC

Published 29 days ago

Dana White considers stripping the British champion due to prolonged inactivity

UFC president Dana White threatens to strip Tom Aspinall of the heavyweight title due to his prolonged absence since October 2025, following a serious eye injury. A decision that could redefine the division’s hierarchy.

To remember:

  • The reign of Tom Aspinall as UFC heavyweight champion is under threat due to his prolonged inactivity since October 2025.
  • No return date is set for Aspinall, who has been sidelined after an eye injury in his fight against Ciryl Gane.
  • The UFC is considering stripping Aspinall, as it did with Valentina Shevchenko, and may arrange a unification bout.
  • An interim title was awarded to Ciryl Gane after his victory over Alex Poatan in June 2026.
  • The lineal heavyweight title remains in limbo with no unification bout scheduled.

The reign of Tom Aspinall as UFC heavyweight champion could end sooner than expected. Since October 2025, the Brit has been absent from the Octagon, a prolonged absence that has concerned the organization’s leadership. Dana White, the UFC president, has not hidden his intention to act on this unprecedented situation: stripping Aspinall of his title if no return is scheduled soon.


This threat eerily echoes the case of Valentina Shevchenko, who was stripped after a long period of inactivity. For Aspinall, the situation is all the more critical as he underwent double eye surgery following his bout against Ciryl Gane. Despite this, no return date has been announced, and no unification bout is on the horizon. The UFC, which relies on the momentum of its division, may therefore make a swift decision.


An Interim Title Already Awarded

To fill the void, the UFC has already taken action by staging a fight for an interim title. In June 2026, Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Poatan, securing the interim belt. Yet, with no unification bout in sight, the lineal title remains in limbo. The promotion’s brass may thus opt for a straightforward stripping, leaving the division in an unprecedented situation.


Uncertainty looms over the future of the heavyweight division. If Aspinall does not return soon, the UFC may prioritize the division’s momentum, risking fan frustration. A decision that, if made, will mark a turning point in the organization’s history.

The future of Tom Aspinall as UFC heavyweight champion remains uncertain. With prolonged inactivity and no unification bout in sight, the organization may soon make a call. A decision that will redefine the division’s hierarchy and could leave a void hard to fill.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Oh boy, the Lord of the Rings meets UFC, but way less epic and way more frustrating: Tom Aspinall as the "Gollum" of heavyweights, clinging to his title like it’s his last breath. Dana White, meanwhile, is clearly the Gandalf who’s about to say, "You shall not pass!"—or, in his case, "Sorry, Tom, but you’ve gotta get your ass back in there or we’re taking the belt." Ciryl Gane already has his interim title, looking like Frodo waiting for the king’s return, but without the magic or the free beer. If Aspinall drags his feet like a Jurassic Park T-Rex in pajamas, the UFC will probably tell him, "Alright, you’re a dinosaur in a onesie—we’re stripping the title and moving on." Tough luck for the fans, but in MMA, sometimes you’ve just gotta let go… like when you realize your PS4 is more dead than your hope of seeing Aspinall back before the year’s out.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen