Dana White says UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall is not leaving the promotion despite a surprising claim from one of his coaches. Speculation about Aspinall’s future began after striking coach Stipe Drviš reportedly said during an Instagram livestream that the heavyweight no longer wanted to be part of the UFC.
The Honey Badger quickly rejected that account.
I’m not leaving the UFC,” Aspinall wrote in a statement.
Aspinall added that he remains in daily communication with the promotion and that any official updates will come from the parties involved.
White subsequently addressed the situation during an interview with Spinnin Backfist, saying he was unaware of Drviš’ comments until they were brought to his attention.
Whenever he’s healthy [he’ll return]. He’s not going anywhere. He’s with us, and we’re good with Tom Aspinall. I didn’t know his striking coach had said that, but, obviously, that’s not true. And sounds like Tom clarified that. But yeah, we’re good. When he’s healthy and ready to fight, he’ll fight,” White said.
While the UFC President & CEO said Aspinall will compete again once he is medically cleared, White did not provide a timetable for Aspinall’s return.
Aspinall has been sidelined for more than 10 months following his first defense of the undisputed heavyweight championship at UFC 321 in October 2025. His fight against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest after eye pokes left Aspinall unable to continue. Aspinall was later diagnosed with injuries to both eyes and underwent multiple surgeries during his recovery. The prolonged absence created another interim championship in the heavyweight division.
Gane claimed that title at UFC Freedom 250 in June, stopping Alex Pereira in the second round on the White House lawn. The result positioned Gane for a title-unification rematch with Aspinall once the undisputed champion is cleared to return. No date has been announced for that fight.
White also dismissed the suggestion that Aspinall’s representation by Eddie Hearn could complicate negotiations. He pointed to Ian Machado Garry, another fighter represented by Hearn, as evidence that the relationship does not prevent the UFC from booking fights.
Questions surrounding Aspinall’s contract and recovery remain, but both the champion and White now agree on the most immediate point: Aspinall remains with the UFC.
