UFC president Dana White has said the organization will soon evaluate the status of Tom Aspinall as the heavyweight champion, as the fighter approaches a full year without competition. Aspinall, 33, last fought in October 2025, when his first defense of the title against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest due to an eye injury. During that fight, Gane repeatedly poked Aspinall’s eye, leading to a rare eye condition and persistent double vision, which required surgery. The incident has kept Aspinall out of the ring for over a year, raising questions about his current fitness and title status. White was recently asked whether Aspinall should consider vacating his title or if the UFC had discussed stripping him of the championship. "We'll definitely be talking about that," White said. He noted that Valentina Shevchenko, the UFC women's flyweight champion, recently vacated her title due to ongoing injuries, and he assumed Aspinall might feel the same way about keeping the title tied up. However, White admitted he wasn't certain about Aspinall's current health and said the situation would be clarified soon. Earlier this month, Aspinall said he had returned to full training for a rematch with Gane, suggesting the fight could take place in September. He also denied reports that he was considering leaving the UFC, which had been speculated at the end of August. Meanwhile, Gane has been vocal about wanting a rematch with Aspinall. Gane recently defeated Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title at the UFC's White House show in June and has since called for a rematch with Aspinall. The potential rematch between Aspinall and Gane has become a focal point in the heavyweight division, which has seen several changes in title holders and contenders. With Aspinall's long absence and the uncertainty surrounding his health, the UFC is expected to make a decision soon on whether to keep him as champion or allow the title to be contested by other fighters. This decision could impact the direction of the division and the future of both Aspinall and Gane's careers.