Tom Aspinall's UFC return edges closer after training footage emerges

After spending half a year on the sidelines due to injury, Tom Aspinall has finally shared some positive news for his fans.

The Brit was on a trajectory to arguably becoming the best heavyweight in UFC history, but a no-contest outing against Ciryl Gane flipped the support and the greatest of all time claims on its head. Still holding UFC gold, the 32-year-old was the target of backlash, with most believing that he intentionally opted out of his fight against the Frenchman after an uncommonly slow start.

Unable to prove them wrong inside the octagon, Tom Aspinall has been forced to wait in limbo since the curtain closed on his UFC 321 title defense back in October 2025. Now, six months later, Aspinall has announced his return to the gym with eyes on a redemption arc in the cage.

"Not had a lot going on, just been back in the gym doing a little bit of light training," Aspinall said in a video on YouTube. "Still waiting to get fully cleared for contact on my eye. But we are back in the gym doing a little bit, and we'll be showing you a bit of that later in the week."

The UFC has put plans into action to move ahead with the heavyweight division in Tom Aspinall's absence. Alex Pereira will attempt to make history when he contends for a title in a third division, but to do so he must first beat the always-dangerous Ciryl Gane.

An interim title has been placed on the line for the Pereira vs. Gane bout, with the winner likely being matched up against the undisputed champion, Aspinall, once he's cleared to compete.

As he pushed ahead with his recovery and subsequent return to the octagon, Tom Aspinall focused on punching bag drills and some light grappling exchanges with his training partner during his time back in the gym.

"Back in, a bit of light training," Aspinall continued. "All good, though. Back into it. Light. Still waiting to be cleared to do contact properly."