Michael Bisping has advised Tom Aspinall to “ignore” the outside noise surrounding his Ultimate Fighting Championshipcareer after undergoing double eye surgery.
Aspinall has struggled with vision issues since his title fight against Ciryl Gane last October was stopped due to repeated eye pokes. Since then, the heavyweight champion has experienced double vision, black spots and vertigo. Social media rumours suggested he had been asked to vacate his UFC title, but Bisping dismissed those claims as false.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former UFC champion Bisping — who lost sight in one eye during his career — said Aspinall should focus on recovering and returning to winning ways rather than worrying about speculation.
Aspinall recently said he loves MMA but “hates the business”, adding that fighters can feel replaceable. He has not set a return date and may require further surgery later this year.
The Englishman previously held the interim heavyweight belt before becoming full champion following the retirement of Jon Jones. His first defence against Gane ended as a no-contest.
Bisping also suggested the UFC could move the division forward during Aspinall’s recovery, potentially turning to contenders such as Alex Pereira, adding: “The show must go on.”
