Tom Aspinall: Eye Injury Update and Hospitalization After UFC 321
Tom Aspinall’s highly anticipated first defense of his UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi ended in a shocking and unfortunate turn of events. In the opening round against challenger Ciryl Gane, Aspinall suffered a severe accidental eye poke that led to an immediate stoppage, a no-contest decision, and his subsequent hospitalization.
The Incident: A Fight Cut Short
The bout commenced with both fighters exchanging strikes, but at 4:35 of the first round, Gane’s fingers inadvertently struck both of Aspinall’s eyes during an attempted block. Aspinall immediately signaled distress, stating, “I can’t see,” prompting the referee to halt the fight.
The accidental eye poke left Aspinall unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no-contest. Despite the premature end, UFC President Dana White confirmed that the organization intends to rebook the fight in the future.
Immediate Aftermath and Hospitalization
Following the stoppage, Aspinall was visibly upset and was escorted out of the Octagon by medical personnel. He was transported to a nearby hospital in Abu Dhabi for further evaluation and treatment. The UFC community expressed concern for his well-being, and fans flooded social media with messages of support.
Ciryl Gane expressed remorse for the incident, acknowledging the unintentional nature of the eye poke and offering his apologies to Aspinall and the fans.
UFC’s Response and Future Plans
UFC President Dana White addressed the situation, confirming that a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is in the works. White acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances but emphasized the competitiveness of the brief exchanges and predicted even greater public interest in the rematch.
The UFC has also been proactive in addressing eye injuries, having introduced new gloves in June 2024 designed to reduce hand injuries and eye pokes. These gloves feature a wristband locking system to prevent grabbing, padding to the sides of the index and pinky fingers to protect bones, and ergonomic curved wristbands for a better fit.
Tom Aspinall’s Career and Legacy
Tom Aspinall, 29, has quickly risen through the UFC ranks since joining in 2019. Prior to this bout, he held an 8-1 record in the promotion, with his only loss being a knee injury in 2022. He became the undisputed heavyweight champion in June 2025 following Jon Jones’ retirement.
Aspinall’s fighting style is characterized by his dynamic striking and agility, which is impressive for a fighter of his size. He has expressed interest in a potential transition to boxing once his UFC contract concludes, which has added intrigue to his future in combat sports.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Tom Aspinall at UFC 321?
Aspinall suffered an accidental double eye poke from Ciryl Gane in the first round, leading to a no-contest decision and his hospitalization for further evaluation.
Q: Is Tom Aspinall okay after the injury?
While the full extent of his injuries is not publicly known, Aspinall was taken to the hospital for treatment. The UFC has not provided specific details about his condition.
Q: Will there be a rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane?
Yes, UFC President Dana White confirmed that a rematch is being planned for a future event, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances of the original bout.
Q: How has the UFC addressed eye injuries in the past?
In April 2024, the UFC introduced new gloves designed to reduce hand injuries and eye pokes. These gloves feature a wristband locking system, padding to protect bones, and ergonomic wristbands for a better fit.
Q: What is Tom Aspinall’s UFC record?
Prior to UFC 321, Aspinall held an 8-1 record in the UFC, with his only loss being a knee injury in 2022. Tom Aspinall eye injury.
As more information becomes available regarding Tom Aspinall’s condition and the plans for his rematch with Ciryl Gane, fans and the MMA community continue to express their support and anticipation for his return to the Octagon.
