UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is still not medically cleared to return to training following an illegal eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their title bout on October 25, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Aspinall (15-3) revealed in a social media update that he may require surgery to address ongoing symptoms, including double vision and blurred vision.
This situation escalated dramatically today as Aspinall labeled Gane a “big cheater,” alleging that the foul was intentional. The heavyweight title bout, which ended in a no-contest, halted Aspinall’s career momentum at a critical juncture. “The way that he wanted to win that fight was to have me compromised by cheating,” Aspinall stated, expressing anger over Gane’s actions throughout the fight.
The incident has left the heavyweight division in disarray, with the UFC planning to rebook the matchup as soon as possible. However, the timeline for Aspinall’s recovery remains unclear. “I think right now, we’ve got to focus on the path back to normal and following doctors’ orders,” he emphasized, highlighting the frustration of being sidelined for 15 months due to prior circumstances with former champion Jon Jones.
Aspinall’s comments come in response to UFC CEO Dana White‘s remarks following the fight, which downplayed the severity of Aspinall’s condition. “I’m not a f—ing dummy. I’m not going to fight one of the best strikers in the world when I can’t see with one eye,” he declared, underscoring the gravity of illegal moves in the sport.
As the UFC heavyweight division waits for clarity, the impact of this incident reverberates through the sport, affecting not just Aspinall’s future but the entire competitive landscape. Aspinall remains eager to return to the octagon but is prioritizing his health above all.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely for more updates on Aspinall’s recovery and the potential for a rematch with Gane. The stakes have never been higher as the heavyweight title picture hangs in the balance.
