Tom Aspinall has decided to vacate his UFC heavyweight title as a result of "ongoing complications" with injuries to his eyes.
The Brit confirmed his decision via a statement on social media on Monday, saying he was "gutted." Aspinall (15-3) said he had been back sparring and had a new fight date locked in, but an accident in training has brought a further set-back.
Aspinall has not fought since his no contest against Ciryl Gane last October, when he was poked in the eyes. He was forced to retire from the fight in the first round and has since had multiple surgeries in both his eyes.
"Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now," Aspinall said.
"I've had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.
"I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further damage to my right eye. This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear.
"I've now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. I've asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don't want to hold the heavyweight division up. I know what it's like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title."
In June, Aspinall confirmed he was back in full training and working towards a rematch with Gane, who beat Alex Pereira that month.
Following Gane's win over Pereira, Aspinall said on his YouTube channel that the was ready for a rematch with the Frenchman and prepared to fight in Paris.
Aspinall stressed he wanted to return to action as soon as possible but on the advice of doctors, would not be fighting in the foreseeable future.
"We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen, but unfortunately, it's simply not possible right now," he said. "I'm absolutely gutted. I've chased this dream since I was 10 years old.
"I'm not done. Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I'll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible."