Tom Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight champion of the UFC, is facing a serious eye injury that has left him unable to see from his right eye. This alarming update comes after a brutal incident during his title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on March 9, 2024. The fight was halted in the first round after Gane inadvertently poked Aspinall in both eyes, prompting immediate medical attention.
The bout began with Gane demonstrating a strong offensive game, landing effective jabs while maintaining a defensive posture. As the round progressed, a misstep led to the eye poke, which halted the action. Referee Jason Herzog provided Aspinall with five minutes to recover. However, the situation escalated when Aspinall informed the cageside doctor that he was unable to see, leading officials to call off the fight and declare it a no-contest.
Following the incident, Aspinall was transported to a hospital in Abu Dhabi for further evaluation. After several examinations, he returned to the United Kingdom for additional tests. In an update shared on his YouTube channel, Aspinall’s father and coach, Andy Aspinall, revealed the severity of his son’s condition.
Medical Assessment and Future Tests
Andy Aspinall stated, “We got an appointment yesterday morning with a friend of ours, who is one of the doctors from the UFC. He got us a private appointment to see an eye specialist.” He continued, “The doctor said, ‘It’s bad, it’s not good.’ His right eye remains closed, and he still cannot see anything; it’s just grey.” Tests conducted revealed that Aspinall’s left eye is functioning at approximately 50 percent, indicating significant impairment.
The medical team is concerned about the functionality of the muscles in Aspinall’s left eye, which were not tracking properly. As a precaution, additional tests, including a CT scan, have been scheduled to determine if any bone damage occurred during the incident. Fortunately, initial assessments suggest that the bone may be intact.
Andy added that the incident has left the Aspinall team baffled regarding the lack of a disqualification for Gane, especially after the French fighter had received warnings for similar actions earlier in the match. In a video replay shown to Aspinall after the fight, team members questioned how Gane avoided disqualification for the eye poke, prompting a frustrated Aspinall to respond, “That is outrageous. He already got warned twice… People start booing me like it’s my fault. F—— double poked me in the eye.”
Community Support and Future Implications
The MMA community has rallied around Aspinall, expressing support and concern for his recovery. As one of the rising stars in the sport, his health and vision are paramount not only for his future in the octagon but also for the safety protocols in place regarding eye pokes.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan has previously discussed potential solutions to mitigate eye pokes in the sport, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of existing rules. The incident at UFC 321 highlights the ongoing challenges fighters face, underscoring the risks involved in high-stakes matches.
As Tom Aspinall awaits further medical evaluations, the focus remains on his recovery and the steps necessary to ensure he can return to the sport safely. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of this injury on his career.