Tom Aspinall Facing Serious Eye Issues After UFC 321 Incident

UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is experiencing severe vision problems following an eye poke incident during his title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 this past Saturday. Reports from Aspinall’s father and head coach, Andy Aspinall, reveal that the champion is currently unable to see out of his right eye.

In a shocking turn of events during the first round of the bout, Gane accidentally poked both of Aspinall’s eyes, forcing the fight to be declared the first no-contest in UFC title fight history. This unprecedented ruling highlights the gravity of the situation, as Aspinall (record: 15-3) was rushed to the hospital shortly after the incident.

In a video shared on Aspinall’s YouTube channel, Andy stated, “It’s not good. His right eye, he can’t see anything. It’s just gray.” He further explained that tests conducted by doctors revealed Aspinall’s left eye is functioning at only 50 percent, with other assessments indicating significant impairment.

The family is currently awaiting further tests to assess the long-term effects of the injury. Earlier, Andy confirmed to ESPN that while his son avoided “bone damage,” the situation remains dire. “Hopefully it will be alright,” he said, expressing deep concern for Aspinall’s future in the sport.

As of now, the UFC plans to rebook the matchup between Aspinall and Gane, according to UFC CEO Dana White. However, a timeline for this rematch is uncertain as the champion and his team focus on understanding the full impact of the foul.

Aspinall has yet to issue an official statement since the fight, but his visible distress in the Octagon has left fans and analysts alike worried about his recovery.

This developing story underscores the inherent risks involved in combat sports and the emotional toll such injuries can take on athletes and their families. Fans are urged to stay tuned for updates on Aspinall’s condition and the potential rebooking of this highly anticipated title fight.