White Confirms Heavyweight Division Rolling Without Aspinall

Dana White confirmed the UFC heavyweight division will proceed without champion Tom Aspinall, who remains sidelined nearly a year after suffering dual eye injuries against Ciryl Gane.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's Contender Series event, White said Aspinall is still hurt and the promotion will not wait any longer. "Tom Aspinall is hurt, y'know, until we hear differently," White told MMA Mania. "So the heavyweight division will just keep rolling."

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 5 on Ticketmaster →

What's Next For UFC Heavyweight Title Picture

Aspinall has been out since October following a brutal double eye-poke from Gane. Early reports detailed severe limitations — the champion could not drive or shake hands, let alone train. Recent months brought cautiously optimistic updates until manager Eddie Hearn revealed Aspinall still requires additional testing before clearing doctors.

The promotion now faces several paths forward. Aspinall versus Gane 2 had been discussed for November's Madison Square Garden card, but that rematch appears unlikely. Alex Pereira has pushed for an immediate shot at interim champion Ciryl Gane, while Josh Hokit is demanding a title opportunity after going 4-0 since joining the roster last year.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 5 on Ticketmaster →

White's comments signal the UFC is ready to book a heavyweight title fight — whether interim, vacant, or otherwise — without waiting for Aspinall's return.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dana White: Heavyweight division will ‘keep rolling’ without Tom Aspinall