Tom Aspinall returns to full training and says he is in talks with UFC for a potential Ciryl Gane rematch

Tom Aspinall is back. The UFC heavyweight champion, whose title reign was abruptly disrupted by a gruesome eye injury suffered in his main-event fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, has returned to full training and is reportedly in discussions with the UFC about a path back to the Octagon.

According to a report published by Yahoo Sports on June 25, Aspinall is “back to full training” after an eye injury that led to multiple surgeries and months away from competition. The same report frames his next step as a potential rematch with Ciryl Gane, which would carry extra significance because it would essentially revisit the fight where everything changed.

Aspinall’s status matters in the heavyweight division because the 265-pound title picture typically depends on the availability of clear, top-end contenders. When a champion is sidelined for an extended stretch, UFC match-making has to balance rankings, timing, and the reality that other contenders are also pushing for opportunities to fight for a championship-level slot.

For Aspinall, the rematch idea also speaks to risk management and long-range planning. Eye injuries are not like typical fight-week ailments. Even after a return to training, fighters and their medical teams generally need to be confident about long-term recovery and the ability to train safely at full intensity, especially in a sport where head movement and hand speed can change instantly once a fight begins.

The report’s phrasing indicates the UFC discussions are still in progress, meaning a deal for a specific date and opponent is not confirmed. Still, the mention of Ciryl Gane as a target suggests Aspinall, and his team, are aiming for a fight that is both meaningful to the division and familiar in terms of matchup history.

UFC 321 served as the high point of Aspinall’s campaign and, because the injury happened in the main event, it also turned attention to what happens next with the title and the division hierarchy. Until the UFC formalizes a return opponent and timetable, the safest conclusion is that Aspinall is preparing to come back, but the exact shape of that return remains to be determined.

What to watch next is whether UFC announces a timetable for Aspinall’s next bout and whether the organization follows through on the reported rematch framework with Ciryl Gane. A clear destination fight would help settle the heavyweight picture, and it would also indicate that Aspinall and the UFC are comfortable with his readiness after an injury that required significant medical intervention.