UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is undergoing urgent additional eye tests following a devastating incident during his title defense at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night. Aspinall, who faced Ciryl Gane, suffered a severe eye poke that forced him to withdraw from the fight just minutes into the first round.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Aspinall revealed the gravity of his condition, stating, “I can’t see,” and expressing his immediate distress after the eye poke. The fight was halted after just four-and-a-half minutes, leaving fans stunned and raising questions about fighter safety.
Aspinall explained the incident, admitting, “He poked me in both. He went near-enough knuckle deep.” The severity of the situation escalated when Aspinall noted that he could feel the extent of the poke, which came after Gane had previously been warned about similar fouls.
His father and trainer, Andy Aspinall, voiced his concerns, stating, “I’m not annoyed. The only thing I ever want is for him to come out of our fights alright.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring fighter safety, especially considering the risks associated with eye pokes. “It’s horrendous for me to look at,” he added, referring to the potential long-term damage such incidents can cause.
Despite initial tests indicating no serious damage, Aspinall faces further examinations in the UK. He remarked, “It puts everything into perspective. It’s a dangerous sport,” highlighting the unpredictability and risks involved in mixed martial arts.
The incident comes after Aspinall’s much-anticipated return to the octagon following a year-long absence due to a knee injury. UFC president Dana White has expressed interest in rebooking the fight against Gane, but no timeline for Aspinall’s return has been established.
As fans and fellow fighters rally around Aspinall, the MMA community is left wondering about the implications of this incident and the ongoing discussion about fighter safety protocols. Aspinall’s emotional turmoil was palpable as he described the pain: “It feels like someone has touched the back of my eyeball.”
With the stakes higher than ever, the next steps for Aspinall and the UFC will be closely monitored. Will the heavyweight champion return stronger than ever, or will this injury mark a critical turning point in his career?
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
