Current UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), Alex Poatan, commented on Tom Aspinall 's health after the Englishman released images of his recent eye surgery. The Brazilian defended the English fighter and highlighted the seriousness of the situation involving eye injuries in sports.
In an interview with journalist Leonardo Guimarães on Valter Walker 's official YouTube channel, the Brazilian expressed concern upon seeing the photo shared by the heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg), who is still recovering after suffering a serious eye injury during his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.
“When that situation happened in the fight, he complained in interviews, some people didn't believe him, others criticized him, but I don't joke around with health. The guy is a fighter, he's not going to fake something like that. He posted the photo, his eye was all red, man. I was even scared. The eye is very delicate, so it's impossible to know if it got like that because it worsened or if it's part of the surgery, but I hope he recovers quickly and can go back to doing what he loves,” he stated.
👀😱 Alex Pereira reacts to the photo of Tom Aspinall ’s eyes post-surgery.
"His eye was all red, man. I was even scared."
(via YT / Valter Walker UFC) pic.twitter.com/OAyLP2KH3o
— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) February 18, 2026
See too
Tom Aspinall shares video of his eye surgery.
Current UFC heavyweight champion, the Englishman is completing essential stages of his recovery, aiming for his return to the octagon. In a video shared on X, formerly Twitter, the 32-year-old fighter appeared in the operating room undergoing the procedure. Tom Aspinall is being closely monitored by the team at Optegra, the ophthalmological clinic responsible for the athlete's treatment.
Tom Aspinall shares footage from his eye surgery 👁️
Via @AspinallMMA pic.twitter.com/trw4UYmJRY
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 15, 2026
Will Alex Poatan fight for the heavyweight title?
Poatan is frequently linked with a move up a weight class to further enhance his legacy. The Brazilian has already won the middleweight and light heavyweight titles, where he is currently the champion. A potential move to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) would open the way for a direct title fight in one of the most traditional weight classes in MMA.
If he manages to repeat his success in another division, Alex Poatan would join an unprecedented group of legends, achieving something no other fighter has ever accomplished in UFC history. However, while nothing is officially scheduled, the champion is focused on the present, leaving no room for speculation about his future in Dana White's organization.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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