TLDR
- Tom Aspinall’s UFC 321 heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest after accidental eye pokes left him temporarily blinded
- Aspinall called the injury “way scarier” than his 2022 knee injury and was hospitalized for emergency tests
- Andy Aspinall, Tom’s father, demanded the UFC track and penalize repeat offenders of illegal moves like eye pokes and groin strikes
- Michael Bisping, who fought with one blind eye, defended Aspinall’s decision to stop the fight rather than continue with impaired vision
- Dana White confirmed a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is already being planned
The main event of UFC 321 at Etihad Arena ended in controversy when Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane was stopped due to accidental eye pokes. The fight was ruled a no-contest after Gane unintentionally poked Aspinall in both eyes, leaving the champion temporarily blinded.
Aspinall was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency tests. The crowd responded with boos and disappointment as the fight ended abruptly.
From his hospital bed, Aspinall shared his experience in a video posted by UFC on TNT Sports. He described the injury as “way scarier than what I did to my knee,” referencing his 2022 knee injury against Curtis Blaydes that resulted in his first professional loss.
The comparison highlights the severity of the eye injury. Aspinall spent a year recovering from his knee injury before returning to claim the heavyweight title.
Initial hospital scans showed “nothing dangerous” according to doctors treating Aspinall. However, medical staff advised him to wait for clearance before returning to training.
Aspinall later posted a 47-minute vlog documenting the entire night from pre-fight preparation to the hospital visit. He confirmed that additional testing will be required in the UK before he can resume training.
Response from Aspinall’s Father
Andy Aspinall, Tom’s father and coach, used the incident to address a broader issue in the sport. In footage posted by Team Aspinall, Andy expressed concern about the lack of consequences for fighters who commit illegal moves.
“I just wonder if [the UFC] have data of how many people poke people in the eyes, or kick people in the groin, and get away with it,” Andy said. He emphasized that his comments were driven by concern rather than anger.
Andy referenced Michael Bisping’s career-threatening eye injury as an example of the potential consequences. Bisping, a former UFC middleweight champion, lost vision in one eye during his fighting career.
“If it’s just your son, then they could lose an eye through somebody who constantly pokes eyes,” Andy explained. He clarified that he did not believe Gane was a repeat offender but wanted accountability for fighters who commit fouls regularly.
Bisping Defends the Decision
Michael Bisping, who famously won and defended the UFC middleweight title while legally blind in his right eye, offered his perspective on the situation. Bisping defended Aspinall’s decision to stop fighting rather than continue with impaired vision.
“Tom is the champion of the world and he doesn’t want to go out there when his vision is impaired or massively affected and potentially lose a fight,” Bisping said. He noted that Gane was performing well and the fight was competitive before the stoppage.
Bisping’s own experience competing with a severe eye injury gives his opinion weight in this discussion. He captured the middleweight title despite being legally blind in his right eye.
What Happens Next
Dana White announced immediately after the event that a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is being planned. The UFC president acknowledged the unfortunate ending but confirmed the organization’s intention to rebook the fight.
Aspinall will need medical clearance from doctors in the UK before any rematch can be scheduled. He stated he is waiting for further test results before determining his return timeline.
The no-contest ruling means Aspinall retains his heavyweight title. Gane’s unintentional foul prevents either fighter from having a loss added to their record.