India, Sept. 14 -- Tom Aspinall has vacated his UFC heavyweight title after suffering further damage to his right eye during training, bringing another setback to the British fighter's long-awaited return to the Octagon. Aspinall revealed on Monday that ongoing complications with his eyes mean he cannot currently get medically cleared to fight. The 33-year-old said he had undergone multiple surgeries, dealt with infections and had been doing everything possible to return to competition.

He also addressed the speculation surrounding his absence, making it clear that he wanted to explain the situation in his own words.

"Anything you read in the media is simply noise. People are creating their own narratives. This is the truth," Aspinall s...