A packed crowd of 13,220 fans rushed into Etihad Arena, and hundreds and thousands of others bought pay-per-view to watch 13 marquee fights. But they were most eager to watch Tom Aspinall defend his undisputed UFC heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane last Saturday night at UFC 321, since Jon Jones left him high and dry. However, what they received in return after months of hype was complete and utter disappointment. 

In the opening round of the main event, Gane accidentally landed a double eye poke on Aspinall, forcing the fight to a sudden halt. Moments later, the bout was ruled a no-contest, leaving the audience in shock. As boos echoed through the arena, a confused Aspinall spoke to Daniel Cormier during the post-fight interview, struggling to process the reaction from fans. Now, the British heavyweight has shared an update on his condition following the incident.

Tom Aspinall reveals the extent of his UFC 321 injury

Earlier today, the 32-year-old shared a YouTube video documenting his hospital visit following the fight against Ciryl Gane. Joined by his team and his visibly worried father/coach, Andy Aspinall, the heavyweight could be seen walking into the hospital for examination. “He went near enough knuckle deep. I could feel how deep he was in the eye,” Aspinall said in the video, describing the incident. 

He also revealed that Gane had already been cautioned at least once for eye poking. “‘Keep his fingers closed,’ the ref said. And he’s nearly poked me in the eye before,” Aspinall noted. Detailing the pain, he explained, “The back of my eyeball’s hurting.” When asked if it was a stinging pain, he replied, “It’s not even stinging now, it’s painful. It feels like someone’s touched the back of my eyeball.” 

Later, when his father asked if he could see from the other eye, his response was concerning. “Not really. I can a bit,” he admitted, adding that he couldn’t read the text on a nearby door. Recalling the moment of impact, Aspinall said, “It felt like his finger hit the back of the eye socket when he pushed it in. I just couldn’t see.” Having suffered a torn MCL and meniscus in his right knee just 15 seconds into his 2022 bout against Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall admitted this injury felt more alarming.

“[It’s way] scarier than what I did to my knee. The knee’s just going to be all right. Where’s your eye? Still don’t know how it’s going to be,” he said in the video. Although upon meeting the doctor later, the doctor advised Aspinall that he would need further tests in a few days to determine with certainty if anything was wrong with his eyes; however, for now, he isn’t in any danger.

Nevertheless, the UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that an immediate rematch is the next step. The details regarding the date and venue will be revealed in time. Meanwhile, Aspinall uploaded a shortened version of the footage to YouTube, where fans quickly flooded the comments with messages wishing him a speedy recovery.

Ciryl Gane getting a fourth title shot didn’t sit well with a fan

Tom Aspinall’s loyal online fanbase rallied behind him, flooding the video with messages wishing him a swift recovery. One user showed his support with some kind words. “Tom, get better soon, we are 100% with you,” the user wrote. However, it’s worth noting that immediately after the fight, some accused Aspinall of giving up.

Meanwhile, this user highlighted how dangerous an injury can be. “Can tell immediately how bad this is, really hope for a speedy recovery—eyes are so vulnerable and that’ll be sore for a while, keep showing your good morals and fairness, Tom, despite others not being fair,” the user commented. A serious eye injury could put any fighter out of commission for good. 

Someone else sent well wishes to Aspinall. “God bless you, Tom. Best wishes for a full and fast recovery,” the user commented. Only time will tell whether the injury has any long-term implications. 

The next user expressed similar sentiments. “Praying for [a] swift recovery for you, champ,” the user commented. However, the real question is, how long will the injury keep Aspinall from fighting? 

Amid all the well-wishes for Aspinall, Ciryl Gane became the recipient of this user’s anger. “Ciryl Gane somehow found a way to get a fourth title shot,” the user commented. The French heavyweight has fought for the title three times, including the Aspinall fight, but never managed to win. 

Having said that, it appears Tom Aspinall has a long recovery period ahead of him. Hopefully, the injury won’t affect his fighting career. His last fight before UFC 321 was 455 days ago, and it lasted just 60 seconds. The fighter and his fans are both losing out on his prime for faults that are not his won. What do you make of Aspinall’s injury update? Will we see him back soon enough?