UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is facing alarming health issues following a catastrophic eye poke in his title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last weekend. The bout, which ended in a historic no-contest, has left Aspinall’s vision severely compromised, according to troubling statements from his father and coach, Andy Aspinall.
In a video shared on Aspinall’s YouTube channel, Andy disclosed that his son, aged 32, is unable to see from his right eye, describing it as “just gray.” Doctors conducted tests revealing that Aspinall’s left eye is functioning at only 50 percent, unable to decipher words beyond a few letters. “One is really, really blurry – and one is not working,” Andy explained, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The incident occurred during the first round of their title match when Gane accidentally poked both of Aspinall’s eyes. The fight was halted, marking the first no contest in UFC title fight history. Aspinall was rushed to the hospital on Saturday, where it was confirmed he avoided “bone damage,” but further tests are pending this week.
UFC CEO Dana White has announced intentions to rebook the matchup between Aspinall and Gane, but the timeline remains uncertain as the fighter’s team evaluates the long-term effects of the injury. “Hopefully it will be alright,” Andy said, though he cautioned, “But it might not be.”
As fans and supporters await more information, the UFC heavyweight division is left in turmoil following this unprecedented event. The implications for Aspinall’s career are significant, making this a developing story to watch closely. Stay tuned for updates on his recovery and the potential rematch with Gane.
