Stipe Miocic praises Tom Aspinall for vacating after suffering similar injury against Daniel Cormier

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic praised Tom Aspinall for choosing to vacate his heavyweight title to focus on recovery from a severe eye injury. Aspinall relinquished the belt following a setback in his recovery from an eye poke suffered during his October 2025 title defense against Ciryl Gane. Speaking to Athlon Sports, Miocic commended Aspinall's difficult decision and recognized the immense challenge of stepping away while at the top of the division.

Miocic related Aspinall's situation to his own past health struggles, recalling how he suffered a torn retina after being poked in the eye during his UFC 241 rematch against Daniel Cormier. The retired heavyweight great advised Aspinall to treat the ordeal as bad luck and prioritize his long-term health while he works toward an eventual return.