Tom Aspinall Denies He Wants Out of the UFC

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UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says he has no intention of leaving the promotion, pushing back directly on a claim made by one of his own coaches that he wanted out.

Aspinall has not fought since UFC 321 in October 2025, when his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke left him unable to continue early in the first round. He retained the belt that night, but he has not been back in the Octagon since, and the layoff has fueled speculation about his next move and his relationship with the promotion.

What Did Tom Aspinall Actually Say?

Tom Aspinall's message was direct: he is not going anywhere. After a coach's comments suggested otherwise, Aspinall moved to shut the story down publicly rather than let it linger. He did not detail why the rumor started, but he was unambiguous that the UFC remains where he intends to fight.

Why Is Aspinall's UFC Future Even a Question?

The doubt exists because of how long the heavyweight champion has been out of action. A title fight cut short by a freak eye poke is one thing, but going quiet for the better part of a year with no finish and no rebooking naturally invites questions, and a coach publicly floating an exit only added fuel. Aspinall's response was meant to close that gap between silence and speculation before it hardened into a bigger storyline.

Betting Angle

Nothing here changes the on-paper numbers for Tom Aspinall as champion, but clarity matters for the futures market. Heavyweight title futures and any Aspinall matchup odds have been sitting somewhat static without a confirmed opponent or date, and a firm "I'm not leaving" statement removes one layer of uncertainty that had bettors and books alike waiting on the sideline. Until the UFC lines up his next defense, expect sportsbooks to hold off on posting real numbers around him, but this statement at least keeps him positioned as the active, committed champion rather than a holdout heading toward free agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Tom Aspinall say he is leaving the UFC?

No. Tom Aspinall publicly denied wanting to leave the UFC after one of his coaches suggested otherwise, stating he has no intention of parting ways with the promotion.

When did Tom Aspinall last fight?

Tom Aspinall last fought at UFC 321 in October 2025, where his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke.