Johnson On Aspinall's Career-Threatening Eye Injury

UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson does not expect Tom Aspinall to fight again. Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title this week after a sparring incident derailed his comeback from double eye surgery, according to BJ Penn.com.

Aspinall had been scheduled to rematch Ciryl Gane in November before getting hit during a sparring session and finding his right eye "back to square one," MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported. The Englishman's left eye has reportedly healed, but he will not know until early 2027 if a third surgery on his right eye is needed.

Johnson Doubts Aspinall Returns After Eye Setback

Johnson addressed the situation in a reaction video posted to his YouTube channel. "Do you guys think we'll ever see Tom Aspinall fight again? Logically, deep down in my gut, I would say no," he said. "I wouldn't risk the opportunity of me losing my vision, not being able to see my children. He could potentially lose one eye."

The former flyweight champion pointed to the ongoing vulnerability Aspinall faces. "When it comes to fighting, when it comes to training, that eye is always gonna be compromised," Johnson said. "You could get eye poked again in training. You could get eye poked fighting again. Is he willing to take that risk?"

Aspinall's injury saga started when Gane accidentally poked him twice in one exchange during their first meeting in October 2025, forcing a no contest. The latest setback marks his fourth surgery overall since that bout. UFC CEO Dana White had told reporters that discussions on the heavyweight title picture would begin soon, but Aspinall decided to relinquish the belt rather than hold up the division.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Tom Aspinall may never fight again amid latest injury setback, fears Demetrious Johnson: “He could potentially lose one eye”