Dana White doesn’t plan on parting ways with Tom Aspinall anytime soon.
Aspinall holds the main UFC heavyweight title, but he’s been out of action since being poked in both eyes against Ciryl Gane back in Oct. 2025. Gane went on to defeat Alex Pereira via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 to win the interim heavyweight title.
While a title unification rematch is the logical move, some believe that tension between both Aspinall and the UFC brass could be holding things up. Aspinall’s striking coach Stipe Drviš caused quite a stir during a live stream when he alluded to the Salford native possibly leaving the promotion.
In an interview with Barstool Sports’ Spinning Backfist, White denied any issue with Aspinall, and he’s confident that the titleholder will be ready to go soon.
“Whenever he’s healthy,” White said. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s with us, and we’re good with Tom Aspinall. I didn’t know that. I didn’t know his striking coach had said that, but obviously that’s not true.”
Aspinall wasn’t shy in saying he felt disrespected with White’s post-fight comments following his double eye injury. The heavyweight champion felt the UFC boss made it seem as if he had a choice to continue fighting. Aspinall signing a talent agency deal with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn further stoked the flames in the eyes of some.
Hearn has told reporters that Aspinall will not be returning to the Octagon before getting a new deal. The top boxing promoter said he was appalled seeing how low Aspinall’s pay was given that he’s the heavyweight champion. Hearn also claimed to have significantly increased Aspinall’s pay through ventures outside UFC.
If White has good reason to be optimistic about his relationship with Aspinall, then the rematch with Gane might soon be on the horizon. Until then, fight fans will have to wait for an official announcement.
Do you think Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2 happens before the end of 2026? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
