Tom Aspinall surgery update provided as doctors work hard to restore UFC champion to fitness

Tom Aspinall has now undergone a procedure on both eyes as he looks to recover from his rare condition.

The UFC heavyweight champion is currently out of action after suffering an injury to both eyes in his clash with Ciryl Gane.

Instagram @optegrauk

Aspinall suffered a lack of vision after being poked in both eyes by the Frenchman, which left him unable to continue in their October meeting.

He later revealed that he was suffering with a rare eye condition, bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome, which is hampering his vision and could do long-term.

As a result, Aspinall explained why he would need corrective procedures on both eyes if he is to return to fighting again.

The title-holder has now undergone the procedure, with photos of the operation posted on his Instagram.

They show him surrounded by doctors as they operated in what looked like a rigorous approach.

An update was provided with the post, which read: “After his highly publicised eye poke injury, Optegra’s expert team is proud to have supported MMA fighter and UFC Heavyweight Champion @tomaspinallofficial.

“Over recent months we’ve been working closely with him on his recovery.

“Following his operation on both eyes we continue the journey to get Tom’s vision back to fighting fitness.“

Instagram @optegrauk

Aspinall will need to be cleared to fight again by specialists, with his eyes naturally a concern after the surgery.

What next for Aspinall?

Until he passes medical checks, plans will be on halt with UFC president Dana White unlikely to rush Aspinall.

But the potential return will likely be an immediate sequel with Gane, given Aspinall’s thirst for revenge.

Immediately after the clash ended, the Salford native fumed at his rival and subsequently accused him of cheating.

But despite his anger, Aspinall insists all policy must be followed by the doctors before he even considers stepping back into the cage.

He said: “I think right now, we’ve got to focus on the path back to normal and following doctors’ orders.

AFP

“That’s all I can control right now. We’ll cross the bridge [of my future with the UFC] when I’m feeling better and everything is right.

“If you were sidelined from doing your job for 15 months [due to the situation with Jones], not allowed to do anything, then train your a** off for six months for a fight to get double eye-poked and left with no vision for nearly six weeks because of an illegal move, how do you think I feel?”