Tom Aspinall Recovers from Gane Eye-Poke, Eyes Summer UFC Comeback
Tom Aspinall is recovering after an accidental eye poke by Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi last October. The injury caused corneal damage and required surgery. Nearly six months later he has posted new gym footage and remains in rehab.
Tom Aspinall recovers from Gane eye-poke and eyes a summer UFC comeback. He has returned to conditioning work. Full contact sparring is not yet permitted.
Medical progress and training limits
Doctors cleared Aspinall for non-contact drills only. He is working pads, bags, and shadowboxing. Head-on-head sparring still awaits final medical approval.
The rehabilitation plan focuses on protecting his vision and long-term career. He is following a staged return to training. Patience and medical clearance are the priority.
Shift in preparation under Matchroom
Aspinall has linked with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing for parts of his cross-training. He has been attending boxing cards in Altrincham and taking part in a Matchroom live-stream 5k fun run. The change has sharpened his hands and helped his mental state.
He continues to work with his MMA coaches. The boxing work is supplementary. He wants to return to full MMA training when cleared.
Timeline, stakes and possible opponents
UFC matchmakers are reportedly eyeing a late-summer return, possibly at a U.S. pay-per-view in August. Betting markets view him as a future title challenger. The heavyweight landscape includes names such as Jon Jones.
Rumored opponents include Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov. Both present stylistic tests and could accelerate his return to contention. Final matchmaking depends on medical clearance and Octagon availability.
What fans should expect next
Aspinall plans a gradual ramp-up from non-contact work to live rounds. He has emphasized not rushing the process. Fans can expect announcements once doctors give the go-ahead.
- Cleared drills: pads, bags, shadowboxing.
- Not cleared: live sparring and full contact sessions.
- Possible return window: late summer, around August.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report updates as they arrive. Expect new bout confirmation only after full medical approval.
