Furious Tom Aspinall Retains UFC Heavyweight Title After Eye Poke Controversy at UFC 321

Abu Dhabi, UAE — Tom Aspinall’s first defense of his undisputed UFC heavyweight title ended in chaos and frustration after an accidental eye poke from Ciryl Gane forced a premature stoppage at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.

The highly anticipated bout, billed as the dawn of a new era in the heavyweight division, ended in a no contest after just one round when Gane inadvertently poked both of Aspinall’s eyes during an exchange.

As the referee called in the doctor, a visibly distressed Aspinall could be heard saying,

“I can’t see,” while clutching his injured eye. Moments later, the fight was officially waved off.

“Guys, I just got poked knuckle-deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing? I can’t see,”
said an emotional Aspinall, addressing the crowd after the stoppage.
“The fight was just getting going. I can hardly open my eye. Look! It was a double eye poke.”

Despite the disappointing outcome, the no contest ruling means Aspinall retains his heavyweight title, though not in the dominant fashion he had hoped for.

Due to an accidental foul this fight has been declared a no contest. #UFC321 pic.twitter.com/geB3tGevL8

— UFC (@ufc) October 25, 2025

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Gane and Aspinall Both Frustrated With Outcome at UFC 321

Ciryl Gane, who looked sharp in the early exchanges with fast leg kicks and crisp combinations, was equally disappointed by the anticlimactic ending.

“I feel sorry. I’m sorry for the crowd, for the fans, I’m sorry for Tom Aspinall and sorry for myself,” Gane said.
“We put a lot of energy into this fight, so I’m disappointed — but this is the sport, this is life.”

Gane was seen pacing around the octagon, shaking his head in disbelief as the official result was announced.

 

Aspinall’s Reign Hits Early Setback

The 32-year-old British champion was making his first defense since being elevated from interim to undisputed status following Jon Jones’ retirement in June. Aspinall had waited 19 months as the interim champion, hoping for a showdown with Jones that never materialized.

Coming into UFC 321, Aspinall had finished seven of his eight UFC victories in the first round and was determined to make a statement. But Gane’s movement and precision striking appeared to test him like few opponents before.

The early exchanges hinted at a tactical battle between two of the division’s most technical heavyweights — before disaster struck.

What’s Next for the Heavyweight Division After UFC 321 ?

With the bout ending in controversy, the UFC now faces the challenge of deciding how to move forward. A rematch between Aspinall and Gane seems likely, given the unclear outcome and fan demand for closure.

Aspinall, meanwhile, made it clear that he’s eager to return once fully healed.

“This isn’t how I wanted to keep my belt,” Aspinall said. “I’ll be back soon — properly this time.”

For now, the heavyweight title remains with the Brit — but his first defense will be remembered not for triumph, but for one of the most frustrating finishes in recent UFC history.

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