A Heavyweight Showdown Cut Short: What Went Wrong?

Aspinall vs. Gane: An Accidental Ending

The UFC 321 main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane concluded in a way no one anticipated. Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight champion, left the octagon without a victory and with a sore eye.

The Unfortunate Incident

In the first round, Gane's hand accidentally poked Aspinall's eye, forcing the referee to halt the fight. Aspinall was left unable to see, leaving both fighters and fans disappointed.

Aspinall's Frustration

Aspinall expressed his anger to the crowd:

"Guys, I just got fcking poked knuckle deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing?"*

He had waited 15 months for this fight, only for it to end prematurely.

"This is bullshit. The fight was just getting going. Complete bullshit. I’m pissed off. I can hardly open my eye."

Gane's Apology

Gane, too, felt remorse for the incident.

"I feel sorry, I’m very sorry about that for the crowd, for the fans. I’m sorry for Tom Aspinall. I’m sorry for myself."

He acknowledged that accidents happen in sports.

The Fight Before the Incident

Before the eye poke, Aspinall showed dominance with his speed and power. Gane, however, was prepared and landed a strong jab, causing Aspinall's nose to bleed. The fight was intense until the unfortunate accident occurred.

Aftermath and Future Implications

Aspinall retains his title but must now wait to recover from the eye injury. He won't fight again until 2026, leaving the heavyweight division in limbo. It's a tough break for Aspinall, who aimed to prove himself as a top champion.

"But that's sports sometimes—unexpected things happen."