Demetrious Johnson reveals main reason why Tom Aspinall may never fight again after vacating UFC heavyweight title

Tom Aspinall (Image via Getty)

Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the UFC heavyweight title has raised fresh concerns about his future in MMA. The British fighter is still dealing with complications from a serious eye injury suffered during his fight with Ciryl Gane last October. Despite his desire to return, his recovery has been difficult.Former UFC champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has now offered a worrying assessment of Aspinall’s situation. Johnson believes the risk to Aspinall’s vision could be too great. He admitted that he personally would not take the same risk, especially if there was a possibility of losing his eyesight and not being able to see his children.

Demetrious Johnson’s comments came after Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight championship because of his ongoing eye problems. The British heavyweight has not fought since his title defence against Gane ended in a no-contest in October.

The fight was stopped after Aspinall suffered several eye pokes. What initially appeared to be a frustrating setback later became a much bigger problem.Aspinall was diagnosed with a rare eye condition. He has since undergone several operations and continued to experience double vision. His recovery has therefore become a major concern ahead of any possible return to competition.

Johnson believes the situation is different from a normal injury. For him, the biggest issue is not whether Aspinall still wants to fight. It is whether returning to the UFC is worth the potential risk to his eyesight.

“Deep down in my gut I would say no. I wouldn’t risk me losing my vision and not being able to see my children. Is he willing to take that risk? I wouldn’t”, he said on his YouTube channel.Johnson has previously praised Aspinall’s abilities inside the Octagon. He has highlighted the heavyweight’s athleticism, fast movement and high fight IQ. Aspinall is also known for his ability to move unusually quickly for a heavyweight and finish opponents in a short amount of time.Aspinall has made it clear that he does not want to retire. After giving up the championship, he said he remains committed to returning once he is healthy and medically cleared.

Aspinall had previously suggested that he could return for a rematch with Gane after getting back to full training. But his latest setback has changed those plans.The heavyweight star has also insisted that vacating the belt does not mean he is leaving MMA.“I am not done. Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I will continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible”, Tom Aspinall wrote on Instagram on Monday.Johnson’s warning therefore comes from a very different perspective. He is not questioning Aspinall’s talent or desire to compete. Instead, he is questioning whether the physical risk is worth it.