Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has rejected reports suggesting he is leaving the UFC as he continues to work his way back from a serious eye injury.
Aspinall has not fought since October when the first defence of his title ended in a no-contest after repeated eye pokes from Ciryl Gane left the Briton unable to continue.
The 33-year-old was subsequently diagnosed with a rare eye condition and had persistent double vision before having surgery.
In June, Aspinall said he had returned to full training for a rematch with France’s Gane and suggested they could fight in September.
But reports emerged on social media on Wednesday claiming Aspinall had decided to leave the UFC – something he has dismissed.
“I’m not leaving the UFC,” Aspinall posted on X.
“I’ve never said I have in any interview, and any words that have been taken from others today are simply not true.
“We are talking with the UFC daily and they will update you guys always.”
Gane beat Alex Pereira to win the interim heavyweight title at the UFC’s White House card in June, before calling for a unification bout with Aspinall.
Aspinall has competed 10 times in the UFC, winning eight and losing one, with one no-contest, although his sole defeat came against Curtis Blaydes when he suffered a serious knee injury.