Tom Aspinall is here to stay.
The UFC heavyweight champion released a statement Wednesday affirming his standing with the promotion, apparently reacting to social media rumors that he has relinquished his title and his time with the UFC has come to an end.
“I’m not leaving the UFC,” Aspinall wrote. “I’ve never said I have in any interview and any words that have been taken from others today are simply not true.”
See Aspinall’s statement below.
Aspinall’s status has been the cause of much speculation since his most recent fight at UFC 321 this past October. That event marked Aspinall’s first title defense as undisputed champion following the retirement of Jon Jones, and he was favored to defeat challenger Ciryl Gane. Unfortunately for both fighters, the main event bout ended inconclusively, when Aspinall was on the receiving end of eye pokes that left him unable to continue. The result was a no-contest and Aspinall was later diagnosed with injuries to both eyes that have required multiple surgeries.
Though Aspinall has provided frequent updates to media and fans on his health, neither he nor the UFC have provided a timetable for his return. Gane currently waits in the wings for his rematch after winning an interim title by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC White House.
The lack of solid information has apparently opened the door to fake news circulating from random sources, much to Aspinall’s chagrin. Until you hear from him or the UFC, Aspinall suggests not believing everything you read.
“We are talking with the UFC daily and they will update you guys always,” Aspinall wrote.
