TOM ASPINALL has addressed sensational rumours that he’s left the UFC.

Social media was abuzz on Wednesday night with reports that the Atherton assassin had vacated the heavyweight strap and departed ‘s top promotion.

Close-up of Tom Aspinall looking up and to the right, showing tattoos on his neck and chest.Rumours were rife on social media Wednesday that Tom Aspinall had vacated his UFC heavyweight title and left the promotion Credit: GETTY UFC 304: Aspinall v BlaydesThe Atherton assassin has emphatically addressed the sensational reports Credit: Getty

It was claimed that his striking coach Stipe Drvis had dropped the bombshell during an Instagram live.

But , 32, has fiercely denied the notion he’s upped sticks and insists he’s going nowhere.

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The fan favourite said: “I’m not leaving the .

“I’ve never said I have in any interview, and any words that have been taken from others today are simply not true.”

Sources inside the Aspinall camp also told SunSport: “He’s definitely not leaving the UFC, it’s not true.”

Aspinall hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since his ill-fated maiden defence of the heavyweight crown against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last October.

Their Abu Dhabi dust-up ended in a no contest as Aspinall was left unable to see after being on the receiving end of a late in the first round.

Vision problems persisted for the Brit bruiser in the months after the fight and he was .

France's Ciryl Gane kicks Britain's Tom Aspinall during their UFC heavyweight title bout.Tom Aspinall hasn’t fought since his ill-fated title defence against Ciryl Gane last October Credit: AFP NINTCHDBPICT001033895507The 32-year-old was on the receiving end of a horrific double eye poke from the Frenchman in the first round of their Abu Dhabi dust-up Credit: ESPN/UFC

But thankfully, in February and is currently training for his cage comeback.

Aspinall said: “We are talking with the UFC daily and they update you guys always,

Aspinall’s next fight is set to be a rematch against Gane, who reclaimed the interim heavyweight crown at the White House in June with a stunning second-round stoppage of .

If the pair are to fight this year, they’ll likely headline one of the two final numbered events of the year.

The bout could end up headlining UFC 334, which takes place at Madison Square Garden on November 14.

Or it could end up headlining the promotion’s final PLE event, UFC 335, on December 12.