Heavyweight Title Vacated
Tom Aspinall vacates the UFC heavyweight championship following ongoing complications from eye surgery.
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Key Points
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Aspinall’s eye problems reportedly stemmed from a double eye poke in his bout with Gane and required multiple surgeries, further delaying his return.
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Chris Weidman said Pereira’s star power could outweigh his recent knockout loss when the UFC selects Gane’s next opponent, potentially bringing a rematch back into consideration.
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Pereira’s social-media criticism specifically cited Gane’s losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, as well as his disputed decision victory over Alexander Volkov; Dana White was among those who believed Volkov deserved the decision.
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Aspinall had been expected to return at UFC 334 on Nov. 14, but complications from his eye injury pushed that timeline back and removed him from the immediate title picture.
Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title while recovering from eye injuries that required multiple surgeries. Bloody Elbow reports that Ciryl Gane holds the interim belt after his win at UFC Freedom 250, but Dana White said Gane will not automatically inherit the undisputed championship, leaving the division without a clear leader.
The UFC must now determine who will challenge Gane next. Alex Pereira, who lost to Gane, is pushing for an immediate rematch and has criticized Gane's record on social media. MMA Fighting notes that Josh Hokit and Henry Cejudo have opposed giving Pereira another title shot so soon after his knockout loss.
Aspinall's Eye Injury Ended His Championship Reign
Aspinall's complications stemmed from a double eye poke during his bout with Gane. Khelhead Now reports the injury required multiple surgeries, pushing back his expected return at UFC 334 on November 14. The timeline delays have now removed him entirely from the immediate title picture.
Gane Gets the Shot, But Not the Automatic Promotion
CBS Sports confirms that Gane is set to make his first title defense at UFC 334 in New York on November 14. Sport Bible reports that Dana White explicitly stated Gane will not be promoted to undisputed champion, but will instead fight for the UFC title. This creates an unusual situation where the interim champion must earn the undisputed belt.
Pereira Campaigns Hard for a Rematch Despite Knockout Loss
Pereira has used social media to mock Gane's record, citing his losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. He also disputed the stoppage, alleging illegal blows to the back of his head. Chris Weidman suggested Pereira's star power could sway the UFC's decision, potentially bringing a rematch back into play despite his recent defeat.
Pereira's criticism extends to Gane's disputed decision win over Alexander Volkov. Dana White himself believed Volkov deserved that decision. Josh Hokit and Henry Cejudo have publicly criticized the idea of Pereira jumping back into a title opportunity after a knockout loss, arguing the division should move forward with fresh matchups.
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