Demetrious
Johnson questions whether Tom
Aspinall will ever return to action in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Aspinall recently announced that he’s vacating the UFC heavyweight
title after ongoing complications from his eye injuries prevented
him from receiving medical clearance to fight. The British
heavyweight was hoping to return against Ciryl Gane
in a rematch and title unification bout, but an accident during
sparring caused further damage to his right eye. Now, Johnson
believes there’s a real possibility he never fights again.
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Demetrious Johnson explains why Tom Aspinall’s eye injury makes
him doubt a UFC return
Johnson addressed Aspinall’s situation on his YouTube channel and
said the severity of the injuries makes a comeback difficult to
envision.
“I sent Tom Aspinall a message today and I said, ‘Dude, I’m sending
good vibes, I’m hoping your eye gets healed,’” Johnson said. “We
don’t know if we’ll ever see Tom Aspinall again inside the UFC
Octagon. Deep down in my gut, I would say no.”
The UFC Hall of Famer explained that he believes the risks
surrounding Aspinall’s eye could make a return too dangerous.
“I wouldn’t risk the opportunity of me losing my vision and not
being able to see my children,” Johnson added. “I would be shocked
if Tom Aspinall fights again. Just because when it comes to
fighting and training, that eye is always gonna be compromised. Is
he willing to take that risk? I wouldn’t take that risk.”
Johnson also expressed concern about Aspinall’s eye remaining an
issue for the rest of his life.
“This is something he’s gonna be battling for the rest of his
life,” Johnson said. “He could potentially lose his eye.”
Aspinall, however, has vowed to return to fighting once he’s
medically cleared.