Tom Aspinall’s UFC future remains uncertain.

The reality is he might not ever fight again': Joe Rogan speculates on Tom Aspinall's future as eye surgery looms | MMA Fighting

The reigning UFC heavyweight champion has been sidelined since a disastrous end to his first defense as undisputed kingpin.

Ciryl Gane poked Aspinall in the eyes at UFC 321 last October, resulting in their title fight ending in an anticlimactic no contest in round one.

Since then, the Englishman has been seeking medical attention on the damage he suffered from his French challenger’s controversial fouls, and Aspinall recently revealed he will undergo surgery.

Updates have been few and far between since the incident, but the champ says that is part and parcel of an eye injury.

Tom Aspinall explains cautious approach to dealing with eye injuries as he awaits surgery

Aspinall still does not have a recovery timeline months on from UFC 321, which has resulted in talk of a potential interim heavyweight title fight between Gane and Alex Pereira amid the champ’s absence.

While speaking in a video on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel, Aspinall explained the lengthy time between Gane’s pokes and confirmation that surgery is required.

“It’s been a bit of a long process,” Aspinall said.

“With other injuries, they just fix them straight away. With eyes, they try to let them — because it’s obviously risky — they try to let them heal naturally.

“So we’re getting surgery,” he continued. “Keeping me out for a little bit, not sure how long.

“It’s just been a slow process. It’s been a nightmare, to be honest.”

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Tom Aspinall is plotting revenge against Ciryl Gane

While surgery and the recovery that comes with it means Aspinall is unlikely to return anytime soon, the Englishman is still looking ahead to his opportunity to make Gane pay.

After dismissing talk of a forced retirement during a recent One on One interview, Aspinall outlined his plan to violently beat Gane when they run it back inside the Octagon.

“I’m not even thinking about (retiring) because you’ve got to take one step at a time, don’t you?” Aspinall said.

“Obviously, the plan is to go back and beat the living daylights out of Ciryl Gane, that’s the plan.

“But right now, the short-term plan is to get back to where I should be and get back in the gym,” he added.