The aftermath of UFC 321 still stirs strong emotions—not for the outcome, but for how it ended. Tom Aspinall‘s first heavyweight title defense was supposed to be his crowning moment, but it turned into disbelief when Ciryl Gane unintentionally poked him in both eyes. The no-contest judgment infuriated fans and temporarily blinded the champion. Yet the most powerful reaction came not from Tom, but from his father, Andy Aspinall, who utilized the opportunity to highlight a long-ignored issue in the sport.

In footage posted by Team Aspinall, Andy remained cool but noticeably distressed as he addressed what had transpired. He made it clear that concern, not anger, was driving him. “Not annoyed, it’s just what it is,” he said. “The only thing I ever want is for him to come out of our fights alright, and the opponent to come out.” However, his tone changed when he wondered aloud why such serious fouls kept sliding through the cracks.

Andy Aspinall points to Michael Bisping’s case as a what-if situation involving his son’s UFC 321 experience

“I just wonder if [the UFC] have data of how many people poke people in the eyes, or kick people in the groin, and get away with it,” he questioned. It wasn’t a rant; it was a plea, one born from the fear every parent feels watching their child in harm’s way. He went further, referencing the career-threatening damage that UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping suffered.

“Mike Bisping, he lost his eye. It’s horrendous to think of, apparently,” Andy said on the video uploaded by Team Aspinall. “And I know what it’s like these days with people saying what they want, but if it’s just your son, then they could lose an eye through somebody who constantly pokes eyes.” He quickly clarified that he did not believe Ciryl Gane to be that kind of fighter, but highlighted that repeat offenders should face repercussions.

His approach was not punishment for punishment’s sake, but accountability. “They need to analyze the people who do it,” he added. “Not to get them out of the sport, but have them tied up in the game so they don’t keep constantly poking people in the eyes.” Andy’s statements struck a chord because they were about more than just UFC 321; they were about the frequent fouls that have silently influenced outcomes for years.

Fighters who commit eye pokes or crotch strikes frequently escape with no long-term consequences, whereas their opponents must recuperate for months, if not years. Meanwhile, Dana White stated that a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is already in the works, a rare instance of the UFC CEO calling his shot immediately following an event. “It’s unfortunate it ended the way it did,” White said, noting that the controversy has further fueled the fight.

For the time being, however, Andy Aspinall’s message rings louder than any announcement: before the sport moves on to another card, another paycheck, or another rivalry, it must examine how it protects its fighters — not just their records, but also their sight, safety, and futures. But how is Tom Aspinall now? Has there been any update yet?

Tom Aspinall health update

Following the chaos of UFC 321, fans were left wondering just how bad Tom Aspinall’s injury was. Following the double eye poke, the heavyweight champion was sent to a local hospital for emergency tests. He eventually posted a 47-minute vlog on YouTube documenting his night, from the pre-fight excitement to the aftermath and hospital visit, ultimately shedding light on his situation.

In the video, the Briton appeared frustrated but calm as medics informed him that early scans revealed “nothing dangerous.” One doctor could be heard saying, “You should stop the fight until you are good again and cleared from our side. Not after this visit, after the second. After making sure everything is coming back to normal with the vision.” It was not a complete all-clear, but it was a positive sign. Tom Aspinall later revealed that he will need additional testing in the UK before returning to training.

“Waiting for further results,” he stated. “We’ve got to do some more tests in the UK as well. So, we’re flying back today, and we’ll go from there.” So, it seems like the champion’s journey continues, but this time the opponent isn’t another fighter; it’s time, healing, and the uneasy patience that every injured athlete must learn to live with. Now it would be interesting to see if the UFC accepts the changes suggested by Andy Aspinall or if more pokes will continue to ruin fights in the future.