URGENT UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is grappling with severe vision issues following a shocking eye poke during his title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last weekend. Aspinall’s father and head coach, Andy Aspinall, revealed in a video that his son “can’t see anything” out of his right eye and has only 50 percent vision in his left eye, raising serious concerns about his future in the sport.
The incident occurred during the first round of the fight on October 21, 2023, when Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes. The bout was subsequently ruled a no contest, marking a historic first in UFC title fight history. Aspinall was hospitalized immediately after the fight, with doctors conducting tests to assess the damage.
“It’s not good,” Andy Aspinall stated in the video posted to Tom’s YouTube channel. “His right eye, he can’t see anything. It’s just gray.” The family is currently awaiting further tests to determine the long-term effects of the injury, with Andy adding, “Hopefully it will be alright, but it might not be.”
Despite avoiding “bone damage,” the uncertainty surrounding Aspinall’s condition is alarming. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed the organization’s intention to rebook the matchup against Gane, but that timeline remains uncertain as both Aspinall and his team focus on recovery.
Aspinall has not issued an official statement since the fight, but his visibly distraught reaction in the Octagon speaks volumes about the emotional toll of the incident. Fans and fellow fighters are anxiously monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift recovery for the champion.
The implications of this injury extend beyond Aspinall’s career; it raises questions about fighter safety and the need for improved protective measures in the sport. As the situation develops, fans are left wondering what the future holds for one of the UFC’s brightest stars.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow Tom Aspinall’s recovery and the potential rebooking of this highly anticipated matchup.
