Tom Aspinall is showing signs of a genuine return to form, sharing brief pad work footage in a new YouTube video that represents one of the most encouraging updates yet from the UFC heavyweight champion during his recovery.
The footage, filmed during a visit to Croatia, shows Aspinall hitting mitts with a coach. While only a few frames of the pad work are visible, the clip represents a notable step forward from his lowest point during recovery, and he has conspicuously dropped the sunglasses that had become part of his appearance during his most difficult period.
Aspinall has been sidelined since suffering a double eye injury from eye pokes during his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October, subsequently undergoing double eye surgery. Throughout his recovery, he has maintained a consistent presence with his fanbase through his YouTube channel, sharing honest updates about his rehabilitation.
He will watch from the sidelines as an interim heavyweight title is determined at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, where Alex Pereira challenges Gane in the co-main event of the White House card. The champion is expected to face the winner of that bout upon his return, though no date has been confirmed. He also recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency.
The pad footage adds to optimism that Aspinall is working his way back toward active competition, though the UFC has not announced a return timeline.