UPDATE: Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has urgent advice for heavyweight fighter Tom Aspinall following the controversial no-contest result of his title fight last weekend in Abu Dhabi. Cejudo’s message: “Don’t read the comments.”
Aspinall (15-3) is currently recovering from an accidental eye-poke suffered during the first round of his championship bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 21, 2023. The incident marked the first foul-related no-contest in UFC championship fight history, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about the implications.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Cejudo emphasized the importance of staying focused. “Tom is a good guy, and if he’s not careful with these trolls, he could end up fighting emotionally,” Cejudo warned. He continued, “If he enters his next fight antsy, it won’t be good. Learn from those who have come before you. Forget them. Forget each and every one of them.”
Cejudo, who faced a similar situation in February when he was unable to continue due to an eye-poke in Seattle, expressed the emotional toll such incidents can take. He recounted how he allowed comments from UFC CEO Dana White to affect him personally. “I was fuming,” Cejudo admitted, recalling his reaction to White’s insinuations that he could have continued fighting. “I respect my boss, but I had to message him, like, ‘hey, man, what the f—?’”
Despite the challenges, Cejudo is preparing for his return to the octagon, scheduled to fight Payton Talbott on December 6, 2023, at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. He stated it will be the final fight of his career. Aspinall, meanwhile, is expected to be rebooked against Gane once he fully recovers.
Cejudo shared crucial advice for fighters who experience similar setbacks. “If it happens again, just close the eye and say, ‘f— it,’” he said. “Accidents happen in the fight game. You can fight with one eye.” His words resonate deeply with fighters facing adversity, emphasizing resilience in the face of criticism.
As the MMA community rallies around Aspinall, the focus now shifts to what’s next for both fighters. Will Aspinall return stronger, or will the emotional toll of online negativity impact his performance? Fans are eager for answers as the heavyweight division remains in flux following this unprecedented event.
Stay tuned for further updates on Aspinall’s recovery and potential fight rescheduling.
