UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has admitted to a decline in his self-assurance following his bout against Ciryl Gane in October.
Aspinall (15-3) made his initial title defence opposing Gane (13-1) at UFC 321, but the fight was called off during Round 1 after Aspinall sustained an accidental eye poke. The match was subsequently declared a no contest.
He has since undergone surgeries on his eyes, and while he has resumed light training, a definitive schedule for his eventual return to the Octagon remains undetermined.
In the aftermath, Aspinall voiced his disappointment with Dana White’s reaction to the incident, particularly after the UFC president remarked that the British fighter “didn’t want to continue” and seemingly downplayed the extent of his injuries.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Aspinall stated: “I mean, how can one’s confidence not take a hit? You dedicate your entire life to something, and then someone can just twist it to imply that [I] simply didn’t wish to proceed.”
“I’ve engaged in countless fights; I’ve been competing since I was eight years old. That is demonstrably not the situation.
“I need to work on that [confidence] a bit, and I feel that Eddie [Hearn] and the team will assist with that. Hence, that’s why I’ve joined them.”
Aspinall has forged a partnership with Eddie Hearn, who will assume a management capacity, and the recently established Matchroom Talent Agency.
Nevertheless, the heavyweight champion affirmed that his agreement with Hearn has no connection to his relationship with White.
“This is not about scoring points for me,” Aspinall clarified.
“This is me wanting to secure what I believe my value is. And if I can collaborate with individuals I appreciate and who are prepared to help me, I will absolutely embrace it. No, this isn’t about getting revenge on anyone or anything of that nature.
“Dana hasn’t communicated with me. Honestly, as far as I’m aware, or at least from my personal experience, UFC fighters typically don’t have a close relationship with Dana.
“We communicate through Hunter Campbell. I don’t think it’s really [White’s] obligation to reach out, but, no, I haven’t spoken to him directly.