Tom Aspinall returns to training after eye poke controversy ahead of UFC comeback

UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has returned to training camp, marking a significant step toward his highly anticipated return to the octagon following the eye poke controversy that derailed his previous fight preparation.

Aspinall, who holds a 15-3 professional record with all victories coming by stoppage, has been sidelined since a training incident left him with a corneal abrasion that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled bout. The injury reignited discussions about the prevalence of eye pokes in MMA and the adequacy of current glove designs in preventing them.

The British fighter posted training footage on social media over the weekend showing pad work, grappling drills, and movement exercises that appeared unrestricted. UFC sources indicated that Aspinall has been medically cleared and is targeting a return date in late June or early July.

Aspinall's return adds another layer to an increasingly complicated heavyweight picture. Champion Jon Jones has been non-committal about his next fight, interim titleholder Aspinall is pushing for unification, and the division's logjam has left multiple top contenders waiting for clarity. Aspinall has been vocal about his desire to face Jones, calling the champion's reluctance to commit "disrespectful to the division and the fans."

The eye poke issue remains unresolved. The UFC has tested modified glove designs that curve the fingers inward, theoretically reducing the chance of extended fingers making contact with an opponent's eye. However, no timeline has been announced for implementing new gloves across all events, and fighters have expressed mixed opinions about whether the modifications would affect their grappling ability.

What This Means For You: If you're a UFC fan tracking the heavyweight division, Aspinall's return is the most significant near-term development. He's the most dangerous finisher in the division and the only fighter who poses a legitimate threat to Jones's title reign. If you're betting on MMA, Aspinall's fights offer strong value in the finish prop market — he's ended all 15 wins inside the distance, making over/under rounds bets and method of victory props more predictable than most heavyweight contests. The eye poke issue is worth watching if you train in combat sports: the modified gloves are coming eventually, and they'll change how you need to approach open-hand defensive techniques.