Aspinall Faces Challenges After Eye Surgery
Tom Aspinall, who spent 19 months as interim UFC heavyweight champion, recently underwent double eye surgery. Michael Bisping has advised Aspinall to "ignore" the surrounding noise about his UFC career as he recovers from the procedure.
Aspinall has been struggling with eye issues since his title fight with Ciryl Gane last October was halted due to repeated eye pokes. Since that fight, the British fighter has experienced double vision, black spots, and vertigo. Social media rumors have circulated suggesting that Aspinall was asked to vacate his UFC title, but Bisping has denied these claims.
"I understand that he's going through a lot right now," Bisping said on his YouTube channel.
"Just ignore all of that. Just come back and win your next fight, dominate the next few, make tons of money and retire."
Aspinall's Perspective on MMA and the Business
Aspinall has publicly expressed his frustrations in an interview with Yahoo, stating he loves MMA but "hates the business" and believes "fighters are just completely replaceable." Despite these challenges, Aspinall has been a standout performer in the UFC heavyweight division in recent years, with seven of his eight wins ending in the first round.
Currently, Aspinall has not provided a timeline for his return to competition as he awaits the results of his surgery. There is a possibility he may require another operation later this year if necessary.
Aspinall's tenure as interim UFC champion lasted 19 months before Jon Jones retired. His first defense as the full champion ended in the first round against Ciryl Gane and was declared a no-contest due to the circumstances of the fight.
Bisping's Experience and Outlook on the Division
Michael Bisping, who became the UK's first UFC champion three years after losing vision in one eye, empathizes with Aspinall's situation. He believes the UFC may proceed with the heavyweight division without Aspinall while he recovers.
"If Tom is on the sidelines right now and Jon Jones is actually retired because of all the arthritis in his hips, Alex Pereira, the next guy, is the most logical guy," Bisping said.
"This is the world that we live in. The show must go on.
"I went through multiple eye surgeries. I wasn't in constant communication with the UFC. They weren't calling on me, checking on me."
Support from Training Partners
Modestas Bukauskas, a training partner of Aspinall, has expressed confidence in Aspinall's ability to recover and return to form following his eye injury.
Additional Information
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