UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is still not cleared for training following an illegal eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their title fight on October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall revealed on social media that he may require surgery due to persistent symptoms, including double vision and blurred vision.
Aspinall, who holds a record of 15-3, did not hold back in his criticism of Gane, labeling him a “big cheater.” He accused Gane of deliberately committing the foul to gain an advantage during the bout, which was ruled a no-contest when Aspinall could not continue after the first round. “The guy was cheating from the first second,” Aspinall stated, claiming Gane attempted to poke his eyes throughout the fight.
The aftermath of this incident has left both fighters in a precarious situation. Aspinall expressed frustration over comments made by UFC CEO Dana White, who noted Aspinall’s bloody nose in a post-fight interview, implying that he did not want to continue. “I’m not going to go out there and fight one of the best strikers in the world when I can’t see with one eye,” Aspinall responded, emphasizing that safety must come first, especially after an illegal move.
The UFC has indicated its intention to rebook the Aspinall-Gane matchup as soon as possible, but Aspinall currently lacks clarity on his recovery timeline. The implications of this incident are substantial, as it has left the heavyweight division in limbo, halting momentum for both fighters.
Aspinall’s situation is further complicated by the recent retirement of Jon Jones, who was expected to face him in a pivotal matchup for the heavyweight title. Aspinall has been sidelined for over 15 months due to previous circumstances surrounding Jones and has now faced another setback that jeopardizes his career.
“I think right now, we’ve got to focus on the path back to normal,” Aspinall said, stressing the importance of following doctors’ orders. He added, “If you were sidelined from doing your job for so long and then faced this, how do you think I feel? I’m not feeling fantastic, am I?”
As fans and analysts await further developments, the UFC heavyweight division remains at a critical juncture. The urgency of Aspinall’s recovery and the potential re-match with Gane are paramount for the future of the sport. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
