Cejudo Calls for Aspinall to Step Aside
Henry Cejudo has publicly urged UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to vacate his title so the division can move forward. Aspinall has not competed since UFC 321 in October 2025 and remains sidelined by an eye injury, with doctors yet to clear him. Cejudo argued that the UFC should not keep waiting and that Aspinall should focus on his recovery while other heavyweights fight for the belt. He suggested that the winner of a bout between Josh Hokit and Alex Pereira should face Ciryl Gane for the undisputed championship.[S1]
Earlier, UFC president Dana White provided an update on Aspinall, confirming that the champion is still recovering from the eye injury and that the heavyweight division will continue without him. This suggests Aspinall may indeed have to relinquish his title to allow other fighters to compete for it. The situation echoes recent cases such as Valentina Shevchenko, who vacated her title, and other injured fighters who have done the same.[S1]
Hokit Points Finger at Hearn Over Delay
Josh Hokit has blamed Eddie Hearn for delaying Tom Aspinall's return, claiming that Hearn is stalling amid contract negotiations. Hokit noted that Aspinall had previously stated he wanted to fight Ciryl Gane on September 6, yet he remains uncleared. Hokit dismissed Hearn's recent comments about Aspinall as untrue, arguing that if the champion were truly training and ready, he would have received medical clearance months ago.[S1]
The pressure on Aspinall to return is intensifying, with fighters like Josh Hokit, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and Alex Pereira all waiting for their opportunity in the heavyweight division. As the stalemate continues, the question of whether Aspinall will vacate or return remains open, leaving the division in limbo.[S1]
