Eye Injury Halts Heavyweight Title Bout
The heavyweight championship fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 ended abruptly after an accidental eye poke in the opening round. Gane’s outstretched hand caught Aspinall in the eye, forcing the British champion to signal he could not see. The referee declared the contest a no-contest, and Aspinall was taken to a nearby hospital for examination.
Sonnen Calls Out Aspinall’s Decision to Stop
Former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen was quick to question Aspinall’s decision to end the bout, suggesting that champions should persevere through adversity. “Sometimes you have to keep fighting, even with one eye,” Sonnen remarked, arguing that true champions find a way to continue. Fellow commentator Anthony Smith echoed the sentiment, noting that fighters often compete through similar injuries.
Mixed Reactions and Talk of a Rematch
Fans were divided following the incident, with many defending Aspinall’s choice to prioritize his health. Footage of the eye poke showed clear contact, supporting claims that the injury was serious. UFC President Dana White later confirmed that a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is being considered once both fighters are cleared by medical officials.
