White Confirms Aspinall Status After Coach's Exit Claims

Dana White says Tom Aspinall is not going anywhere despite talk from the heavyweight champion's camp suggesting friction with the UFC.

Earlier this week, speculation flared after Aspinall's striking coach Stipe Drvis said on Instagram live that the fighter no longer wanted to be part of the promotion. Aspinall quickly issued a denial.

White Confirms Aspinall Return Timeline

White told Spinnin Backfist the relationship remains solid and the delay comes down to health. "Whenever he's healthy [he'll return]," the UFC CEO said. "He's not going anywhere. He's with us, and we're good with Tom Aspinall."

Aspinall has not competed since his no-contest with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October ended with an eye injury. Gane won the interim belt at UFC White House when he stopped Alex Pereira in the second round.

White said Aspinall being managed by boxing promoter Eddie Hearn creates no additional hurdles. "Ian [Machado] Garry is too," he noted, pointing to the welterweight's recent fight with Islam Makhachev. "No, not at all [does that get in the way]."

The UFC has not announced Aspinall's next fight, though November's UFC 334 and December's UFC 335 remain open for a potential rematch with Gane.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — ‘We’re good with Tom Aspinall’: Dana White provides update on UFC heavyweight champ’s status