Dana White says the UFC and Tom Aspinall are thick as thieves.
Earlier this week, speculation ran rampant when the UFC heavyweight champion’s striking coach Stipe Drvis said on an Instagram live that Aspinall no longer wanted to be part of the organization — something Aspinall immediately denied in a statement.
The UFC CEO spoke with Spinnin Backfist to update fans on Aspinall, who is approaching a year out of action after his fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 this past October ended in a no-contest, and after the eye injury he suffered.
“Whenever he’s healthy [he’ll return],” White said. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s with us, and we’re good with Tom Aspinall.
“I didn’t know his striking coach had said that, but, obviously, that’s not true. And sounds like Tom clarified that. But yeah, we’re good. When he’s healthy and ready to fight, he’ll fight.”
Gane competed at UFC White House and knocked out Alex Pereira in the second round to capture the interim title. With the fight cards filling up, it would appear the only way Aspinall and Gane run it back this year will either be at UFC 334 in November, or December’s UFC 335 event.
White was asked about Aspinall being represented by Eddie Hearn, and if that could cause some extra barriers to get fights signed, sealed and delivered.
“Ian [Machado] Garry is too,” White said. “He just fought Islam. No, not at all [does that get in the way].”
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