Tom Aspinall vs Gane Eye Poke: What Really Happened at UFC 321?

Tom Aspinall’s UFC heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 ended in shocking fashion on October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. The bout was ruled a no-contest after Aspinall suffered a double eye poke in the opening round. The incident left fans furious and confused, as the champion’s first title defense ended before it truly began.

The eye poke occurred early in round one, halting what was expected to be one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes of the year. Referee Jason Herzog determined the foul was accidental, allowing Aspinall to retain his title despite the fight being declared a no-contest. A rematch between the two heavyweights is now expected in early 2026.

How the Tom Aspinall vs Gane Eye Poke Happened

Both fighters started aggressively. Aspinall landed clean early combinations, while Gane used his trademark movement and range to keep distance. About four and a half minutes into the first round, Gane extended his left hand while attempting to set up a kick. His fingers went directly into Aspinall’s eyes — not once, but twice — causing the British champion to drop back in visible pain.

“I can’t see!” Aspinall shouted, clutching his face as referee Jason Herzog immediately stopped the action. The ringside doctor examined the damage, but after several minutes, Aspinall was still unable to open his right eye. Herzog officially called off the bout, declaring it a no-contest due to an unintentional foul.

In his post-fight interview, a furious Aspinall addressed the crowd’s reaction. “Guys, I just got poked knuckle-deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing?” he said. Gane, visibly upset, apologized inside the Octagon. “I’m sorry for Tom and sorry for the fans,” he said. “That’s not how I wanted this fight to go.”

According to BBC Sport and Reuters, medical officials later confirmed that Aspinall did not suffer permanent eye damage but will need several weeks to recover. UFC president Dana White told reporters backstage that a rematch would be “the only fair option.”

 

The Fallout and What Comes Next

The abrupt ending leaves the UFC heavyweight division in an awkward position. Aspinall remains champion, but the result halts the momentum he built after winning the title earlier this year. Gane, who was making his third attempt to capture the undisputed belt, will now have to wait again for redemption.

Fans and analysts have called for rule changes and improved glove designs to reduce eye poke incidents. Former UFC champions Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov both emphasized during commentary that such fouls “rob fans of real results.” The UFC’s upcoming rules committee meeting in December is expected to revisit discussions on glove safety.

Reports from AP and ESPN suggest the promotion plans to book a rematch between Aspinall and Gane in the first quarter of 2026, most likely in London or Paris. The fight is expected to headline a major pay-per-view card, depending on Aspinall’s medical clearance.

The Tom Aspinall vs Gane eye poke controversy may have halted a title fight, but it has only intensified anticipation for their eventual rematch. The heavyweight division’s future — and redemption for both fighters — now rests on that next clash.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened during the Tom Aspinall vs Gane eye poke incident?

Ciryl Gane accidentally poked Tom Aspinall in both eyes while extending his left hand during a kick setup, leading to an immediate stoppage in round one.

Q2: Was the fight ruled a disqualification?

No. The referee ruled the foul accidental, so the fight ended as a no-contest and Aspinall retained his UFC heavyweight title.

Q3: What did Aspinall say after the fight?

Aspinall expressed anger at being booed, saying, “I just got poked knuckle-deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing?”

Q4: When will the rematch take place?

UFC president Dana White confirmed the promotion is planning a rematch between Aspinall and Gane for early 2026, depending on medical recovery and scheduling.

Q5: How did Ciryl Gane react to the incident?

Gane apologized publicly, calling the outcome “unfortunate” and saying he never intended to hurt Aspinall or end the fight that way.