UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is still not medically cleared to return to training after suffering an illegal eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their title bout on October 25, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Just announced via social media, Aspinall revealed he may require surgery due to lingering symptoms, including double vision and blurred vision.
In a shocking turn of events, Aspinall accused Gane of being “a big cheater,” alleging that the eye poke was intentional. “When it happened initially, I didn’t really think much of it,” Aspinall stated. “But when I watch the fight back, I see he was trying to poke my eyes out all the way through that round.” The heavyweight title fight was ruled a no-contest after Aspinall was unable to continue late in the first round.
His comments highlight a growing frustration within the UFC community. Aspinall expressed dissatisfaction with UFC CEO Dana White‘s remarks after the fight, suggesting that his decision not to continue was mischaracterized. “I’m not going to fight one of the best strikers in the world when I can’t see with one eye,” he emphasized.
The UFC has confirmed intentions to rebook the Aspinall-Gane matchup as soon as possible, but no timeline has been set for Aspinall’s recovery. His condition has left both his career and the heavyweight division in limbo for much of 2025.
“This situation has been devastating for me,” Aspinall shared. “If you were sidelined from doing your job for 15 months, only to train hard for a fight and then suffer an illegal move that compromises your health, how do you think I feel?”
As the heavyweight division waits for clarity, the impact of this incident is being felt across the sport, with fans eagerly anticipating his return. Aspinall’s future in the UFC remains uncertain, but he is focused on recovery and following doctors’ orders.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.