A shock for the MMA world! Tom Aspinall has vacated the championship title! What is the reason?

British heavyweight Tom Aspinall has taken an unexpected step and officially vacated his UFC Heavyweight World Championship belt.

Details: According to talkSPORT, the 33-year-old Brit’s decision caught both the promotion’s management and fight fans completely off guard. Aspinall, who previously captured the interim crown before being promoted to undisputed champion, decided to relinquish his title. The move paves the way for a match for the vacant title between other top heavyweight contenders.

Last October at UFC 321, Aspinall’s fight against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest following illegal eye pokes from the contender. The British heavyweight underwent surgery on both eyes, but has yet to be medically cleared for full-contact training and fighting.

Dana White and UFC leadership thanked Aspinall for his professionalism as other fighters step up to contend for the vacant strap. Aspinall himself plans to return to the Octagon as soon as his medical treatment and recovery are complete.

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