Cortes-Acosta Rips Aspinall Over Extended Layoff

Waldo Cortes-Acosta has publicly questioned Tom Aspinall's extended absence from competition, accusing the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion of avoiding a rematch with Ciryl Gane.

Aspinall remains on the shelf following multiple eye surgeries after his no contest against Gane at UFC 321 last year. The bout ended minutes into the first round when accidental eye pokes left Aspinall unable to continue. Initial projections suggested a September return, but the champion still lacks medical clearance to compete, according to BJPenn.com.

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Heavyweight Contender Questions Champion's Resolve

Speaking at the Noche UFC pre-fight press conference, Cortes-Acosta did not hold back when asked about Aspinall's status. "He knows that he needs to come back and fight with Ciryl Gane," Cortes-Acosta said, per Bloody Elbow. "The champion is someone who has a problem, fixes it, and tries to come back, fights and is a warrior."

UFC CEO Dana White recently hinted that matchmakers are preparing to move past Aspinall's title reign if the layoff continues. Gane captured the interim heavyweight title earlier this year, but a timeline for the rematch remains uncertain.

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Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo has also urged Aspinall to relinquish the belt to allow the division to progress. The UFC has not announced a formal deadline for Aspinall's return or addressed potential plans to strip the title.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Tom Aspinall attacked by top heavyweight in X-rated rant amidst long hiatus