UFC: Tom Aspinall backed by Modestas Bukauskas returns as the ‘most dangerous’ of all time

Training partner Modestas Bukauskas believes UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will return from his eye injury as the “most dangerous” fighter of all time.

Aspinall said earlier this month that he was set to undergo surgery after suffering a “nightmare” injury following an accidental knock from Cyril Jean in October.

The eye poke, which caused Aspinall’s first undisputed title defense to end in a no contest, left the 32-year-old with “persistent” double vision.

Some pundits, such as UFC commentator Joe Rogan, have questioned whether Aspinall will compete again after the injury, but training partner Bukauscus has no doubts.

“When he comes back, expect to see the most dangerous Tom Aspinall you’ve ever seen,” Bukauskos told BBC Sport.

“He’s an amazing athlete, an amazing person, and this will make him smarter and better. In the heavyweight division, watch out.”

Lithuanian-British Bukauskas lost to Nikita Krylov at UFC 324 last week and was unable to train with Aspinall in preparation for the fight due to an eye injury.

“Tom is dealing with this horrific eye injury. I feel bad for him because he’s looking at the possibility of surgery and his eyes still aren’t 100 percent,” Bukauskos added.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on things, sending messages here and there [check] “How is he?”