Demetrious Johnson fears that Aspinall won’t return! “He could lose an eye.”

Demetrious Johnson has serious doubts about whether Tom Aspinall will ever step back into the UFC Octagon. The former champion and Hall of Famer highlighted the severity of the British fighter’s vision problems and admitted that he himself would not risk continuing his career in a similar situation.

Tom Aspinall had hoped to return to competition before the end of 2026. However, his plans were once again derailed by health issues.

Shortly after Dana White announced talks regarding the heavyweight championship situation, the British fighter announced he was vacating his UFC title. The reason is ongoing eye problems, which have prevented him from receiving medical clearance to return to fighting.

Demetrious Johnson commented on the situation. The former UFC champion posted a video on his YouTube channel in which he admitted that, in his opinion, Aspinall’s future career is in serious jeopardy.

Johnson: I’d be surprised if Aspinall fights again

“Mighty Mouse” openly admitted that the fear of losing his sight would be too great a risk for him.

“Do you think we’ll ever see Tom Aspinall fight again? Logically speaking, and based on my gut feeling, I’d say no, ” Johnson said.

– I wouldn’t risk losing my sight—not being able to see my children. He could potentially lose one eye. Of course, I’m talking about the worst-case scenario. I’d be surprised if Tom Aspinall fights again, because when it comes to fighting and training, his eye will always be at risk.

Johnson pointed out that the problem isn’t limited to the fight itself. Another injury could also occur during training.

– You could get poked in the eye during training. You could get poked in the eye in your next fight. The question is: Is he willing to take that risk?

According to Ariel Helwani, the plan was for Aspinall to face Ciryl Gane, who held the interim heavyweight title, again in November. Everything changed during one of the sparring sessions.

Helwani reported that Aspinall had been hit and that the condition of his right eye was expected to return to virtually its original state.

The British fighter’s troubles began after his first bout with Gane. Aspinall was poked in the eyes twice during that fight, and the bout was ruled a no contest.

The former champion’s left eye is reportedly fully healed. The situation with his right eye is much worse. Aspinall will have to wait until early 2027, when doctors will determine whether another surgery will be necessary.

If that happens, it will mark Aspinall’s fourth surgery since his ill-fated fight with Gane in October 2025. At this point, it is unclear when—or if—the British fighter will be cleared to return to the Octagon.