Bisping Urges UFC to Move Forward Despite Aspinall’s Injury, Pereira as Potential Interim Title Contender

The UFC heavyweight division faces a period of uncertainty as champion Tom Aspinall recovers from recent eye surgery following an accidental eye poke during his October bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes the display must move on, even if it means considering an interim title fight, potentially between Alex Pereira and Gane.

Aspinall’s Recovery and the Stalled Heavyweight Title Picture

Aspinall underwent surgery on both eyes earlier this month to address the damage sustained in the no-contest against Gane. The timeline for his return remains unclear, leading to a standstill in the heavyweight title picture. Bisping, who experienced his own career-threatening eye injury during his fighting career, understands Aspinall’s situation but emphasizes the require for the UFC to maintain momentum in the division.

Bisping’s Perspective: The Show Must Go On

“He just had a double eye procedure…and it’s already been four months since the fight with Ciryl Gane,” Bisping stated on his YouTube channel. “He isn’t going to be fighting anytime soon… When (rumors) said they went to Tom and asked him to vacate, I kind of understood it.” Though, Bisping clarified that the UFC has not asked Aspinall to relinquish the title, but he would understand if they did.

Bisping drew parallels to his own experience with eye injuries, noting that the UFC did not consistently check in on him during his recovery. He acknowledged the UFC’s need to operate as a large corporation and continue to deliver events, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances. “They’ve got a business to run. They’ve got a worldwide, massive corporation to run, putting on the best fights on the planet,” Bisping explained. “If somebody gets hurt, well then that’s a real shame, but the show goes on.”

Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for an Interim Title?

With Aspinall sidelined, Bisping suggests an interim title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane as a viable option. “If (Aspinall) isn’t fighting anytime soon and it certainly looks like he isn’t fighting anytime soon… in the meantime, there’s an opportunity for Alex Pereira.”

Aspinall’s Frustration with the Business Side of MMA

Bisping’s comments came after Aspinall expressed his disillusionment with the business side of MMA, stating he felt the UFC viewed fighters as replaceable. Bisping acknowledged Aspinall’s feelings but maintained that the organization must prioritize its operations.

While Bisping sympathizes with Aspinall, he believes the UFC heavyweight division cannot afford to remain stagnant while the champion recovers. The possibility of an interim title fight between Pereira and Gane offers a path forward, allowing the division to continue to evolve while Aspinall focuses on his recovery.