Hokit Claims Aspinall Faked Eye Surgery To Exit UFC

Undefeated heavyweight contender Josh Hokit believes Tom Aspinall has been faking his eye problems to force his way out of the UFC, according to comments made on "The Ariel Helwani Show."

Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title earlier this month after reinjuring his right eye during sparring. The former champion was scheduled to rematch Ciryl Gane but will now wait until 2027 for a medical update. Hokit faces Gane for the undisputed belt in the UFC 334 main event on Nov. 14 in New York City.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →

Hokit Questions Legitimacy Of Aspinall's Injury

When asked about the injury, Hokit questioned whether Aspinall's condition is genuine. He suggested the former champion might be angling for better contract terms, telling Helwani that the UFC may not be meeting Aspinall's financial demands. Hokit added that Aspinall's drawing power does not match that of bigger names who command similar paydays.

The 10-0 Hawaiian earned his title shot with a memorable war against Curtis Blaydes and a second-round stoppage of Derrick Lewis. He carries six knockout wins and three submissions into the biggest fight of his career.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →

Aspinall has not responded publicly to Hokit's comments. The British fighter posted about his eye setback on social media shortly after withdrawing from the Gane rematch, stating he would undergo further evaluation before returning to training.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Josh Hokit claims Tom Aspinall faked eye surgery to get out of UFC contract: “I don’t even think that sh*t’s real”