Tom Aspinall Faces Eye Surgery After UFC 321 Fight End
UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is facing more tests on his injured eye following a shocking incident during his title defense at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Just hours after the fight, Aspinall posted a video detailing the brutal eye poke he suffered from Ciryl Gane, which forced the bout to end in the first round.
In a gripping moment, Aspinall was heard telling the referee, “I can’t see,” after sustaining the injury just four and a half minutes into the match. Despite receiving the maximum five minutes for recovery, he was unable to continue. His immediate hospital visit revealed no serious damage, but doctors have mandated further examinations in the UK.
Aspinall described the pain in his eye, stating, “It feels like the back of my eyeball is hurting.” He elaborated, “It didn’t feel that bad, at first. It’s killing now.” This alarming development raises concerns about his long-term health, particularly as he previously suffered a significant knee injury that kept him sidelined for over a year.
“It puts everything into perspective. It’s a dangerous sport,” Aspinall expressed, highlighting the inherent risks fighters face. “You know that your knee will be alright. Whereas the eye, you don’t know…”
His father and trainer, Andy Aspinall, voiced his worries as well, reflecting on the potential dangers of eye pokes in the sport. “I’m not annoyed… The only thing I ever want is for him to come out of our fights alright,” he said, emphasizing the need for stricter measures against fighters who repeatedly commit fouls.
UFC president Dana White has expressed keen interest in rebooking the Aspinall vs. Gane matchup, but there is currently no timeline for Aspinall’s return to the octagon. Fans are anxiously awaiting updates, especially after the fight ended so abruptly.
As the situation develops, the MMA community is left in suspense, hoping for Aspinall’s swift recovery. His future in the sport hangs in the balance as he prepares for additional medical assessments. The implications of this incident may lead to renewed discussions about safety regulations in UFC fighting.
The emotional impact on Aspinall is palpable as he considers the risks involved in his profession. “I trained for 14 months. Trust me, I didn’t want someone’s finger knuckle deep in my eye,” he lamented, showcasing the personal toll such injuries can take on athletes.
As the world watches, updates on Aspinall’s condition and potential next steps will be crucial in determining the future of this rising star in the UFC. Stay tuned for further developments as they unfold.
