Dana White: No Rift With Tom Aspinall Amid Coach's Claim
Dana White says Tom Aspinall has no issues with the UFC after his coach's comments sparked exit rumors.
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UFC CEO Dana White says Tom Aspinall remains fully committed to the promotion, shutting down speculation that the heavyweight champion wanted out of his contract.
The chatter started when Aspinall's striking coach, Stipe Drvis, said during an Instagram livestream that his fighter no longer wanted to be part of the UFC. Aspinall quickly denied that claim in a statement of his own, and White backed him up directly.
"He's not going anywhere. He's with us, and we're good with Tom Aspinall," White said. "When he's healthy and ready to fight, he'll fight."
What Did Dana White Say About Tom Aspinall's Coach?
White made clear the comments from Aspinall's corner did not reflect reality. "I didn't know his striking coach had said that, but, obviously, that's not true," White said, adding that Aspinall had already cleared up the confusion himself.
White was also asked whether Aspinall being represented by promoter Eddie Hearn creates any extra friction in getting fights made. He waved that off too, pointing out that Ian Machado Garry has the same representation and still landed his fight with Islam Makhachev.
When Does Tom Aspinall Fight Next?
Aspinall has not competed since his UFC 321 title defense against Ciryl Gane last October ended in a no contest after an eye poke left him unable to continue. He underwent eye surgery afterward and has been out of action for close to a year. Gane went on to knock out Alex Pereira to claim interim heavyweight gold. With the rest of the 2025 calendar filling in, a rematch between Aspinall and Gane likely lands at UFC 334 in November or UFC 335 in December, assuming Aspinall's eye clears him to return.
Betting Angle
Books have had little reason to move on Aspinall given the total lack of clarity on a return date, but the moment a fight with Gane gets official, expect Aspinall to open as a solid favorite the way he has in nearly every heavyweight matchup of his career. The bigger variable for bettors is health, not skill. Aspinall has looked untouchable on paper against the division, but almost a full year of inactivity and a serious eye injury are exactly the kind of factors that can shift a line once fans see him in camp footage or hear fresh updates on the surgery. Until the UFC confirms a fight, there is nothing solid to price. Once it does, watch for early market movement tied to any word on his sparring and vision, not just his name on the poster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Tom Aspinall ask to leave the UFC?
No. Tom Aspinall denied wanting to leave the UFC after his striking coach Stipe Drvis suggested otherwise, and Dana White confirmed there are no issues between Aspinall and the promotion.
When did Tom Aspinall last fight?
Tom Aspinall last fought at UFC 321 in October, where his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest after Aspinall suffered an eye injury.
Will Tom Aspinall fight Ciryl Gane again?
A rematch between Tom Aspinall and interim champion Ciryl Gane is possible for UFC 334 in November or UFC 335 in December, pending Aspinall's recovery from his eye injury.
