Former champion calls Aspinall's decision 'the right one'

'I've had a torn retina — I know how hard it is'

Stipe Miocic (left) throws a punch at Jon Jones during the UFC 309 heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden in New York in November 2024. Jones won by TKO in the third round. [Getty Images]
Stipe Miocic (left) throws a punch at Jon Jones during the UFC 309 heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden in New York in November 2024. Jones won by TKO in the third round. [Getty Images]

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has voiced support for Tom Aspinall's decision to relinquish the heavyweight title due to an eye injury, while sharply criticizing the UFC for prioritizing revenue over fighter health.

In an interview with Athlon Sports published Thursday, Miocic said Aspinall made the right call. "I think it was a good decision," Miocic said. "Think about how hard it must have been to give up the belt after reaching the top and having everything change on you."

Aspinall was unable to continue his fight against Ciryl Gane of France at UFC 321 in October last year after Gane landed an illegal eye poke. The bout was ruled a no-contest, and Aspinall spent an extended period away from the octagon dealing with the lingering effects of the injury.

While preparing for a comeback, Aspinall suffered another injury to his right eye and announced Sept. 14 that he was vacating the heavyweight title. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and rounds of treatment, Aspinall had not received medical clearance to compete, and a return date remained uncertain.

Aspinall said at the time that he did not want his injury to stall the heavyweight title picture, which was why he chose to give up the belt. Aspinall made clear, however, that he was not retiring — he intended to recover and return to competition.

Miocic said he understood Aspinall's ordeal better than most, recalling that he suffered an eye poke during his rematch with Daniel Cormier at UFC 241 in 2019, which later led to a torn retina. "I've had a torn retina, so I know how tough it is," Miocic said. "I want to give Aspinall a huge round of applause for making such a difficult decision."

Tom Aspinall, who relinquished the UFC heavyweight title, is preparing for his return to competition. [Getty Images]
Tom Aspinall, who relinquished the UFC heavyweight title, is preparing for his return to competition. [Getty Images]

Miocic also took aim at the UFC for putting financial returns ahead of fighter welfare. "The UFC is not happy with anyone unless they're making a ton of money," Miocic said, advising Aspinall not to worry about the organization's reaction.

Miocic added that relinquishing the title was the right move if a lengthy absence was unavoidable. Miocic noted that he had missed time through injury himself but returned within a year, and said he would have made the same choice as Aspinall had a longer layoff been expected.

Miocic retired after losing to Jon Jones at UFC 309 in November 2024. With six victories in UFC heavyweight title fights, Miocic is widely regarded as one of the most successful champions in the division's history.

Meanwhile, Miocic offered an optimistic outlook on Alex Pereira's bid to move up to heavyweight. Despite Pereira's loss to Ciryl Gane, Miocic said the Brazilian still has what it takes to become the UFC's first three-division champion. Miocic noted that he himself won a championship belt at 38 and said Pereira has plenty of time left.

Pereira is set to challenge for the heavyweight title again at UFC 335, where he will face Sergei Pavlovich of Russia.


yjc@heraldcorp.com