Morning Report: Daniel Cormier roasts commentator as ‘stupid’ for spreading Tom Aspinall-UFC split rumor
MMA Fighting
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Daniel Cormier has expressed frustration over a false rumor circulating on social media that suggested Tom Aspinall might vacate his UFC heavyweight title and seek release from the promotion. The rumor, spread by former UFC fighter Josh Thomson, claimed that the UFC had approached Aspinall about these terms, but it was quickly debunked by MMA journalist Petesy Carroll. Cormier criticized Thomson for spreading the misinformation, calling him "stupid" during a YouTube live session. He emphasized that no official discussions between the UFC and Aspinall's team have taken place regarding title vacation or release.
Aspinall has been sidelined since October 2025 due to eye injuries sustained in his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, which ended in a no-contest. The heavyweight champion has not fought since, and Cormier questioned how long the UFC would wait before taking action, such as holding an interim title fight or addressing the division's lack of viable contenders. He pointed out that Aspinall is still recovering and hasn't officially been asked to vacate his title.
Cormier also raised concerns about the state of the heavyweight division, noting that key fighters like Gane, Jon Jones, and Francis Ngannou are either injured or inactive. The current crop of UFC contenders, including Waldo Cortes-Acosta, lacks the necessary depth to maintain the division's competitiveness. He highlighted a clear gap between the top-tier fighters and the rest, which could harm the division's health and appeal.
The situation underscores the importance of verifying information through credible sources, as rumors on social media often mislead fans. Cormier urged followers to avoid relying on unverified claims and instead trust verified reports from outlets like MMA Fighting. The accuracy of news is crucial for sports enthusiasts who want reliable updates on their favorite fighters and promotions.
In conclusion, the Aspinall rumor serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of misinformation in sports media. It highlights the need for fans to remain discerning and seek out credible sources
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/19/2026