It was a bizarre weekend for combat sports! UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and former interim champion Ciryl Gane finally squared off in the long-awaited UFC 321 main event after months of anticipation. Yet, what was expected to be a heavyweight showcase ended in disappointment, as the fight was stopped in the very first round—not by a knockout, but due to an accidental double eye poke from Gane on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi.

“I just got poked knuckled-deep in the eyeball,” the 32-year-old said during the post-fight in-ring interview, as the crowd at Etihad Arena erupted in boos. “What the f—k, why are you booing? What am I supposed to do about it? I didn’t do the poke, I can’t see!” While it was clear Tom Aspinall wasn’t to blame, the crowd’s frustration was palpable. UFC CEO Dana White has since promised an immediate rematch — but interestingly, over in boxing, Floyd Schofield Jr. finds himself in a somewhat similar predicament.

Floyd Schofield Jr. will understand what Tom Aspinall is going through

Undefeated lightweight prospect Floyd Schofield Jr. has been forced to withdraw from his upcoming fight after suffering a sprained wrist with minor ligament damage, according to reports. The 23-year-old Jersey City native was set to face former super featherweight champion Joseph Diaz Jr. on November 8, serving as the co-main event for Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson Lubin.

Schofield Jr.’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, confirmed that his withdrawal came following “medical evaluation and on the advice of his team.” The timing is unfortunate for the rising star, who was coming off an impressive first-round knockout win over Tevin Farmer in June. Earlier this year, he had also been slated to face WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, but that bout was scrapped after Schofield was hospitalized with an illness during fight week.

Ring Magazine later took to X to provide an update. “Floyd Schofield vs. Jojo Diaz Jr is now off the Vergil Ortiz vs Erickson Lubin undercard after Schofield sustained a Grade 2 sprain to his right wrist, along with minor ligament damage,” they wrote. Much like Tom Aspinall’s UFC 321 mishap, Schofield’s situation drew online backlash — despite the injury being completely out of his control.

People didn’t care about the fight to begin with

Even at the early stage of his career, ‘Kid Austin’ has managed to build a reputation among fans, which he may not like. One user claimed the fight had zero hype behind it anyway. “Who wanted this fight anyway?” the user asked. Diaz is a former champion and a notable name in boxing circles — a win for Schofield Jr. would have boosted his profile. 

Another user didn’t seem too big a fan of Schofield Jr. “It’s one step forward, 2 steps back with this Schofield guy,” the user commented. Notably, after pulling out of the Shakur Stevenson fight, Schofield Jr. faced backlash, as some felt he was faking it. 

Meanwhile, this user had a theory about why the 23-year-old pulled out of the fight. “Schofield never wanted to fight him to begin with and was a step backwards fighting him, coming off the Tevin Farmer KO,” the user commented. Well, a step forward for Schofield Jr. would be a title fight, but that isn’t happening anytime soon. 

Someone else mocked Schofield Jr. “Did his daddy post pictures from the hospital again?” the user asked sarcastically, referring to his previous withdrawal from the Stevenson fight. 

More sarcasm followed with this user. “Kid is a promoter’s dream.. Lol,” the user remarked. Only Golden Boy Promotions can confirm that. 

Having said that, it looks like people aren’t happy with Floyd Schofield Jr. as much as they are unhappy about Tom Aspinall’s botched fight with Ciryl Gane. But what do you make of Schofield Jr.’s withdrawal?