Tom Aspinall put out a statement knocking down reports that he's looking to leave the UFC, this after one of his own coaches had suggested otherwise. The heavyweight champion hasn't fought since UFC 321 back in October 2025, when his clash with Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest after an eye poke stopped things cold. With Aspinall still working his way back from that injury, the timing of the exit rumors only added noise to an already frustrating layoff, and he clearly wanted to shut it down himself rather than let it linger.
Sources (13)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Heavyweight champion Aspinall rejects UFC exit claims (Yahoo Sports)
- NSAC fines 3 for jumping out of UFC Octagon (ESPN MMA)
- UFC adds four more Meta Apex events to 2026 schedule (Sherdog)
- Holloway, Pimblett and Steveson receive hefty fines after UFC 329 (Frontkick Online)
- Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett, and Gable Steveson fined for jumping outside the octagon at UFC 329 (MMA Fighting)
- Heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall issues statement: 'I'm not leaving the UFC' (MMA Weekly)
- Tom Aspinall Denies Wanting to Leave the UFC (Yahoo Sports)
- Sean Brady disagrees with Din Thomas’ handling of UFC 330 backlash (Sherdog)
- Carlos Ulberg provides new comeback update as rumors about interim 205lb title fight swirl online (Bloody Elbow)
- Tyron Woodley says wrestling Khamzat Chimaev will be similar to ‘equally powerful’ Joaquin Buckley (Bloody Elbow)
- Carlos Ulberg Provides Latest Health Update (Yahoo Sports)
- Bella Mir releases statement following disappointing Contender Series loss (MMA Fighting)
- Sources: Denis Goltsov returns against Maxwell Djantou Nana at PFL Chicago (Sherdog)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the August 27, 2026 edition of the daily show.