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Tom Aspinall missed UFC London, surprising many fans and analysts. The heavyweight champion has been a prominent figure in British MMA, making his absence notable.
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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.
Thatâs why it caught many by surprise when he was absent from the card at UFC London back in March.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Tom Aspinall is still recovering from the eye injury he picked up at UFC 321 back in October.
While he wasnât expected to be fighting anytime soon, many assumed heâd still turn up as a spectator. But Aspinall didnât 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.
âHe was very surprised [that] he never got an invite,â Hearn said during an interview with Ariel Helwani when asked about Aspinallâs absence from UFC London.
âHe got a text from Dana [White] at about 6pm on the day of the fight saying, âWould you like to come tonight?â And he lives five hours away. So, that wasnât ideal.â
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 isnât as close as Aspinallâs.
The interviewer then added: âIt wouldâve been one thing if it were a big star-studded card.â
To which Hearn replied: âExactly. Letâs be honest; it wasnât exactly a card full of huge names.â
Tom Aspinall is still waiting to get clearance to fight after having double eye surgery to fix the damage from Ciryl Ganeâs 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.
âIâve not had a lot going on, just been back in the gym doing a bit of light training,â he said earlier this month.
âIâm still waiting to get fully cleared for contact on my eye, but we are back in the gym doing a little bit.â
Tom Aspinall's specific reasons for missing UFC London have not been detailed, but his absence surprised many fans.
Aspinall's absence from UFC London may affect attendance and viewership, as he is a key draw for British MMA fans.
The article does not specify the exact date of Aspinall's last UFC event before UFC London, but he has been a main event fighter in recent cards.

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