Cejudo Urges Aspinall To Vacate UFC Heavyweight Title

Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo believes Tom Aspinall should vacate the heavyweight title while recovering from his eye injuries.

Aspinall has been sidelined since his no contest with Ciryl Gane in October 2025, which ended after a double eye poke. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said his fighter needs additional eye testing before he can return, and UFC CEO Dana White confirmed recently the heavyweight division will continue without him.

Cejudo Proposes Path Forward For Division

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Cejudo said Aspinall should give up the belt to allow the division to progress. "Give up the title, bro," Cejudo said. "Give up the title and let your eye recover and that's it. Let the other dudes fight. Let the winner of Josh Hokit and Alex Pereira fight Ciryl Gane for the undisputed."

Gane holds the interim strap after stopping Pereira via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pereira wants a rematch, but Cejudo dismissed the logic of an immediate do-over given how decisively the first fight ended.

The former Olympic gold medalist argued Hokit deserves the next shot at Pereira, pointing to his wrestling ability and recent performance against Derrick Lewis. Cejudo suggested Pereira might prefer avoiding that matchup.

White has offered no timeline for Aspinall's return. The heavyweight title picture remains frozen until the promotion decides whether to strip the Brit or wait for medical clearance.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Tom Aspinall urged to relinquish UFC heavyweight title by former two-division champion: “Let the other dudes fight”