Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tom Aspinall‘s first defense of his undisputed heavyweight title ended abruptly at UFC 321 on Saturday, resulting in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke from Ciryl Gane in the first round. The incident occurred late in a competitive opening frame, forcing a stoppage by the referee due to Aspinall’s inability to continue.
The unexpected outcome at the etihad Arena means Aspinall retains his heavyweight championship, but without a definitive win.The fight was halted after Gane’s punch inadvertently struck Aspinall in both eyes. This result leaves the future of the heavyweight division uncertain, with questions looming over a potential rematch and the path to determine a clear champion. Aspinall, 32, was visibly distressed, telling the ringside doctor, “I can’t see,” while clutching a cloth to his eye.
Aspinall expressed his frustration immediately after the fight, questioning the crowd’s reaction. “Guys, I just got poked knuckle deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing? I can’t see,” he said. He further demonstrated the severity of the injury, stating, “The fight was just getting going. I can hardly open my eye. Look! It was a double eye poke.” Aspinall was subsequently transported to a local hospital for evaluation and was unavailable for the post-fight press conference.
The referee’s decision to rule the fight a no-contest indicates the foul was deemed accidental. Had the foul been judged intentional, Gane would have been disqualified, awarding Aspinall the victory.
Ciryl gane also voiced his disappointment with the outcome, pacing and shaking his head as the result was announced.”I feel sorry. I’m sorry for the crowd,for the fans,I’m sorry for Tom Aspinall and sorry for myself,” Gane stated. “We put a lot of energy in this fight so I’m disappointed, but this is the sport, this is life. I don’t know what is going to happen for the future, but we will see.”
