UFC Heavyweight Champion Aspinall Returns to Full Training for Gane Bout

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall said Thursday he has returned to full training and is in talks with the UFC for a fight against Ciryl Gane. The 33-year-old posted the update on social media, marking the first public confirmation that he has been medically cleared to resume contact.

Aspinall has not competed since October, when his first defense of the undisputed title at UFC 321 ended in a no-contest after Gane accidentally poked him in both eyes.

He underwent surgery earlier this year to address lingering double vision and lack of eye movement, ESPN reported. Gane claimed the interim heavyweight title earlier this month with a second-round TKO of Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250. Gane holds a 14-2 record, while Aspinall stands at 15-3.

After the October no-contest, Aspinall accused Gane of intentionally poking him and called him a "big cheater" in a social media video. Aspinall's manager, Eddie Hearn, said he would advise Aspinall against accepting a unification bout under the current contract. Aspinall's Thursday post indicated optimism that the fight would proceed, ESPN reported.