Tom Aspinall’s first heavyweight title fight ended in controversy as the match was declared a no contest due to eye pokes by Ciryl Gane. Aspinall, a prominent British fighter, had a challenging year but managed to secure a quick victory over Curtis Blaydes in July 2024.
Initially set to face Jon Jones in a unification bout, Aspinall faced setbacks as Jones retired without committing to the fight. Despite these obstacles, Aspinall was promoted to undisputed champion and faced Gane in what was anticipated to be a tough challenge. Unfortunately, the fight ended abruptly in the first round after an unintentional eye poke, leading to the match being called off.
All Out Fighting covers the latest in boxing and MMA, offering exclusive interviews and insights into major fights. Leading up to UFC 321, Gane’s shot at the heavyweight title was uncertain, especially after his previous failed attempts. Aspinall was determined to showcase his skills, while Gane, though initially appearing nervous, displayed agility and speed in the fight.
The French fighter landed several jabs on Aspinall, causing some discomfort to the champion. Despite a competitive exchange, the match took a turn when Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in the eyes, prompting a pause for recovery. Aspinall expressed frustration over the incident post-fight, emphasizing the impact of the eye poke on the match.
Both fighters expressed regret over the outcome, with Aspinall being taken to the hospital after the fight for further evaluation. UFC President Dana White mentioned the possibility of a rematch during the post-fight press conference. In other events, Mackenzie Dern claimed the women’s strawweight title, Umar Nurmagomedov secured a victory, and Volkov and Rakic emerged victorious in their respective fights on the main card.