Tom Aspinall gives up UFC heavyweight title over ongoing eye complications

Tom Aspinall made a surprise announcement by giving up on the UFC heavyweight title, citing eye injury setbacks and surgeries.

Aspinal took to his Instagram and posted a lengthy statement announcing an early exit from the UFC heavyweight title.

While explaining the reason why he made the decision, he wrote, “I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete, when an accident caused further damage to my right eye.

"This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear,” he added.

Aspinall said that uncertainty left him with no other choice but to quit.

“I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title,” Aspinall announced.

“I’ve asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don’t want to hold the heavyweight division up.

“I know what it’s like to have your career put on hold, and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title," Aspinall continued.

Aspinall faced Ciryl Gane to a no contest at UFC 321 last October, and the bout ended in the first round after Gane unintentionally poked him in the eye.

The 33-year-old UFC heavyweight champion underwent double eye surgery following that scary incident.

Now that Aspinall has decided to give up the UFC heavyweight, the status of the belt hangs in balance.

Gane defeated Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June to emerge as the interim champion.

In the aftermath of the Aspinall announcement, the UFC may decide on removing the interim tag and awarding Gane the undisputed champion.

Aspinal has a professional record of 15 wins and 3 loses and won eight of his first nine fights with the UFC before he suffered serious eye injuries.