Dana White to Discuss Heavyweight Title Status With Sidelined Tom Aspinall

Tom Aspinall's extended absence from the Octagon could put the UFC heavyweight championship in jeopardy, as UFC CEO Dana White revealed plans to discuss the division's future with the reigning champion.

Following Valentina Shevchenko's recent decision to vacate the UFC women's flyweight championship due to injury, White was asked whether Aspinall might follow a similar path. "We’ll definitely be talking about that," White told reporters. "It’s one of those – like, Valentina doesn’t want to tie up the division.

And I’m assuming Tom feels the same way. I don’t know personally where he is health-wise with everything, but we should clear that up soon."

Aspinall has been out of action since October of last year, when his title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest after illegal eye pokes left the British champion unable to continue. Aspinall suffered injuries to both eyes that required surgery, and he has reportedly yet to be cleared by athletic commissions, leaving his return date unconfirmed.

During Aspinall's hiatus, Gane claimed the interim heavyweight title by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June, setting the stage for an eventual unification bout once the undisputed title situation is resolved.