Demetrious Johnson Would Be ‘Shocked’ if Tom Aspinall Fights Again

Following a tumultuous 11-month stretch that included a championship defense against Ciryl Gane ending in a no-contest, Tom Aspinall officially vacated his UFC heavyweight title on Monday. In the wake of the news, former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson expressed strong doubts that Aspinall will ever return to mixed martial arts.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, as reported by MMA Fighting, Johnson discussed the severe dangers of competing with an eye injury. "Logically, deep down in my gut, I would say no," Johnson said regarding a potential comeback. "I wouldn’t risk the opportunity of me losing my vision, not being able to see my children, not being able to see my kids.

I’m thinking worst-case scenario. … I’ll be shocked if Tom Aspinall fights again just because when it comes to fighting, comes to training, that eye is always going to be [at risk]."

Johnson noted that the demands of eight-week fight camps—specifically sparring, grappling, and crossfacing—inevitably expose a fighter's eyes to contact and further trauma. Aspinall previously overcame a major knee injury, returning a year later to defeat Marcin Tybura before knocking out Sergei Pavlovich for the interim belt. He was elevated to undisputed champion after Jon Jones retired in June 2025, but a planned unification bout never materialized before Aspinall ultimately vacated his championship.