Dana White issues official statement on Tom Aspinall’s next fight amid bitter Eddie Hearn feud and UFC exit rumours

DANA WHITE has issued a statement on rumours of Tom Aspinall leaving the UFC. Social media was abuzz on Thursday with sensational claims that the UFC‘s heavyweight king had vacated his title and left the promotion. Tom Aspinall was the subject of sensational exit rumours earlier this week Credit: GETTY The Atherton assassin was forced to deny claims he vacated the UFCA’s heavyweight title Credit: REUTERS The claims stemmed from an Instagram Live from Aspinall’s striking coach Stipe Drvis, whose words were taken out of context by several MMA accounts on the platform. The reports and Team Aspinall’s response were put to White by Spinnin’ Backfist on Friday. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! And the UFC supremo didn’t mince his words, saying: “He’s not going anywhere. “He’s with us, and we’re good with Tom Aspinall. “I didn’t know that. I didn’t know his striking coach had said that, but obviously that’s not true.” Aspinall, 32, hasn’t fought since his ill-fated maiden defence of the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last October. The fight ended in a No Contest as the Atherton assassin was left unable to see thanks to a horrific DOUBLE EYE POKE from the Frenchman late in the first round. Aspinall suffered serious issues with his vision in the months that followed and had to undergo double eye surgery in February. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS UFC supremo Dana White insists the promotion are on good terms with Tom Aspinall Credit: GETTY Aspinall hasn’t fought since undergoing double eye surgery for the damage he sustained in his showdown with Ciryl Gane last October Credit: ESPN / UFC Thankfully, the surgery has been a success, and the fan favourite is currently awaiting a date for his cage comeback. Many, however, have suggested that his recent teaming up with Eddie Hearn, who will handle his interests inside and outside of the octagon, could harm him as the Matchroom Boxing chief is currently embroiled in a bitter public feud with White. But White insists there is no bad blood between himself and Aspinall, saying: “We’re good. “[And] when he’s healthy and ready to fight, he’ll fight.” Tom Aspinall signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn back in March Credit: GETTY Dana White insists the Brit’s deal with Hearn, who he’s involved in a bitter feud with, hasn’t put Aspinall in the bad books Credit: GETTY Aspinall revealed in June that he’s FULLY RECOVERED from surgery and ready to return to the cage. If he’s to fight before year’s end, it’s more than likely he’ll fight at UFC 334 or UFC 335. The promotion’s penultimate numbered card of the year takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 14. And their final PLE will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 12. Comment now