Tom Aspinall’s UFC future in doubt after frightening eye injury setback

Tom Aspinall is one of the UK's most formidable MMA fighters and the current UFC Heavyweight Champion. However, outside the cage, Tom is facing a completely different type of battle due to a terrible eye injury. As a result, there is no definitive timeline for when Tom will return to action, and it also creates uncertainty within the division he currently leads.Tom competed last in October against Ciryl Gane as part of his first title defense; however, this fight was ultimately ruled a no-contest due to a horrific double eye poke that significantly compromised Tom's ability to compete and raised serious questions about his eyesight, as well as his long-term health.In addition, Tom has pointed out that eye injuries present unique dangers that make them unlike any other physical injury we face. As a result of these facts, Tom told his doctors that they would like to wait until his eyes heal naturally before determining if he needs to undergo surgery. The longer the period before he gets treated, the slower the recovery process. Which in turn would result in an extended period of time away from competition.Tom Aspinall has confirmed that he has been diagnosed with Brown's syndrome. Brown's syndrome is a health issue that affects eye movement and coordination. This confirmation comes after Tom Aspinall underwent eye surgery in late 2021. Tom Aspinall is preparing for another surgery on his eye later this year due to the injuries he sustained while fighting in the Octagon.Tom Aspinall shared his frustration and stress about not knowing when he would be able to resume training the way he is used to. He needs to see multiple doctors for clearance before starting again. Tom Aspinall stated that the biggest difference between being injured with a broken bone or torn muscle compared to an injury related to the eye is that if a person does not seek appropriate care for an eye injury, they risk permanent loss of vision. The overall priority for Tom Aspinall throughout his recovery process is to protect the long-term health of his eyes so he can return to compete once he is ready. He has stated that he will not allow outside pressures or his competitive spirit to dictate the timing of when he resumes training or competing again.There has been increasing speculation about a potential interim heavyweight championship match involving UFC fighter Alex Pereira, with Tom Aspinall out of action for some time now. Alex has stepped up as a viable title contender. Formerly a top-tier kickboxer, Alex Pereira is now a two-time UFC champion in two divisions. Many believe that Alex Pereira will soon be making his weight-class debut against heavyweight star Ciryl Gane.Alex Pereira is also 37 years old, which creates a significant age gap compared to Tom Aspinall and highlights the need for existing heavyweight titleholders to prepare for short-term planning. Furthermore, Alex Pereira brings immediate marketability and appeal as a striking powerhouse, whereas Tom Aspinall represents a healthy prospective champion function in the long-term future of the division.Also Read: What Really Happened to Tom Aspinall After That Brutal Eye Poke by Ciryl Gane in the UFC Heavyweight Title Fight