Tom Aspinall explains why he missed UFC London: ‘He was very surprised’

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Tom Aspinall has been the centre of attention for British MMA fans over the past few years.

The UFC heavyweight champion has featured as the main event in a number of cards held in his home country.

That’s why it caught many by surprise when he was absent from the card at UFC London back in March.

Why Eddie Hearn thinks Tom Aspinall missed UFC London

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Tom Aspinall is still recovering from the eye injury he picked up at UFC 321 back in October.

While he wasn’t expected to be fighting anytime soon, many assumed he’d still turn up as a spectator. But Aspinall didn’t make an appearance, and fans wondered why.

Eddie Hearn has now shed some light on what happened, explaining why his Matchroom Talent Agency client missed the event on March 21.

“He was very surprised [that] he never got an invite,” Hearn said during an interview with Ariel Helwani when asked about Aspinall’s absence from UFC London.

“He got a text from Dana [White] at about 6pm on the day of the fight saying, ‘Would you like to come tonight?’ And he lives five hours away. So, that wasn’t ideal.”

Hearn went on to explain why it was strange for the UFC to not formally invite Tom Aspinall, especially given his status in British MMA. He pointed out that while Leon Edwards is also a champion, his relationship with the organisation isn’t as close as Aspinall’s.

The interviewer then added: “It would’ve been one thing if it were a big star-studded card.”

To which Hearn replied: “Exactly. Let’s be honest; it wasn’t exactly a card full of huge names.”

Tom Aspinall shares update on recovery and return plans

Tom Aspinall is still waiting to get clearance to fight after having double eye surgery to fix the damage from Ciryl Gane’s fingers.

The UFC has put an interim heavyweight title in place during his time away.

Gane is scheduled to face Alex Pereira for that interim belt on June 14.

Aspinall has already returned to light training as he waits for full-contact sparring approval.

“I’ve not had a lot going on, just been back in the gym doing a bit of light training,” he said earlier this month.

“I’m still waiting to get fully cleared for contact on my eye, but we are back in the gym doing a little bit.”