UPDATE: Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has urgent advice for heavyweight fighter Tom Aspinall following his recent title fight that ended in a controversial no-contest due to an accidental eye-poke. Aspinall, who is still recovering, must “tune out the noise” from critics as he prepares for his next steps.
The incident occurred during UFC 321 on October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, when Aspinall (15-3) was rendered unable to continue after an eye-poke from opponent Ciryl Gane. This marked the first foul-related no-contest in UFC championship fight history, leaving fans and analysts questioning the outcome and implications for both fighters.
Cejudo, who faced a similar situation in February against Song Yadong in Seattle, knows the emotional toll such incidents can take. In a candid interview with ESPN, he emphasized the importance of mental resilience: “If Tom is not careful, and if he’s f—ing around with these trolls, he’s in trouble,” Cejudo warned. “He might fight emotional. If he goes into his next fight antsy, it’s not going to be good for him.”
Cejudo’s insight comes as Aspinall reflects on the backlash surrounding his inability to continue fighting. UFC CEO Dana White suggested both Cejudo and Aspinall could have pressed on, comments that Cejudo admits affected him deeply at the time. “I was f—ing fuming,” he shared. However, he has since come to terms with the pressures of being in the spotlight. “Don’t take it personal,” he advised Aspinall. “It’s happened to everyone.”
Currently, Aspinall is expected to be rebooked against Gane once he fully recovers from the eye injury. In the meantime, Cejudo prepares for his return to competition, scheduled for December 6, 2023, against Payton Talbott at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. Cejudo has indicated this will be the final fight of his career, making it a pivotal moment for both him and the UFC community.
Cejudo also shared his approach to handling future eye injuries, suggesting fighters must come to terms with the reality of the sport. “If it happens again, you just got to close the eye and say, ‘f— it,’” he noted. “It’s the fight game, and accidents do happen. You can fight with one eye.”
As Aspinall navigates this challenging period, the emphasis is on mental strength and resilience. Cejudo’s candid advice not only offers support but also highlights the emotional landscape athletes face in the UFC. The conversations surrounding Aspinall’s recovery and potential fight against Gane will continue to develop, keeping fans and analysts on high alert for the next chapter in this dramatic heavyweight saga.