Key Highlights
- Dana White’s reaction to Tom Aspinall’s eye injury during the UFC 321 bout with Ciryl Gane.
- The impact of Aspinall’s decision not to continue fighting after being poked in both eyes.
- The ongoing tension between Aspinall and White over his desire to vacate his title.
- Discussion on the potential future of Aspinall’s UFC career amid these controversies.
The Eye-Poke Nightmare: Tom Aspinall’s Struggle Continues
On October 29, 2025, the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) was left reeling as Tom Aspinall faced an unprecedented challenge. During his first defense of the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, Aspinall suffered a significant eye injury that forced him to withdraw from the fight after only four-and-a-half minutes.
The incident raised questions about White’s handling of the situation and the future of Aspinall’s career within the organization. In the post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White defended his decision while expressing frustration over the outcome. “You can’t make someone continue if they feel injured,” White stated, emphasizing that only Aspinall knew whether he could see or not.
The Eye Injury and Its Aftermath
Aspinall’s injury was severe enough to leave him without sight for four days following the fight. The impact of this injury is evident in his inability to see out of his right eye, a condition that continues to concern Aspinall, his father Andy, and the fighter’s wider team.
“I can’t make people fight,” said Dana White in the post-fight press conference. “You can’t make someone continue if they feel injured.”
The Controversies Surrounding Aspinall’s Future in UFC
Adding to the drama, Aspinall had previously expressed his intention not to fight against his friend Ante Delija due to a title vacating clause. This stance irritated White, who responded with frustration: “It doesn’t matter whether you are friends or enemies; you’re competing to see who is the best.”
Moreover, Andy Aspinall’s public statements during the week leading up to the fight raised further concerns. He expressed a desire for his son to switch from MMA to boxing, citing greater financial rewards. Critics questioned if this timing was appropriate and wondered about its impact on Aspinall’s mental state.
The Future of Tom Aspinall in UFC
Despite the controversies, White acknowledged that Aspinall is a marketable asset with significant appeal to both fans and sponsors. The heavyweight champion remains a formidable presence within the organization, but his future is now on a knife-edge.
“You’re competing to see who is the best,” White continued. “But that’s his decision.”
Aspinall seems content to remain in MMA and continue building his legacy. However, the incident with Gane and the ongoing tension with White may leave him facing difficult choices about his future within UFC.
The situation surrounding Tom Aspinall’s eye injury at UFC 321 serves as a stark reminder of the risks fighters take on the battlefield. It also highlights the complex dynamics between athletes, their teams, and the organizations that govern the sport.
