Tom Aspinall awaiting medical clearance after controversial fight
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is still awaiting medical clearance to resume training. This follows the incident in which he received an illegal eye strike from Ciryl Gane during their title fight on October 25 in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall (15-3) shared news on social media, revealing the possible need for surgery to treat the persistent symptoms derived from the blow. In addition, he called Gane a “cheater” and expressed his belief that the foul was intentional. The fight, which defined the heavyweight title, was declared “no contest” as Aspinall could not continue after the incident in the first round.The English fighter also expressed his discontent with the post-fight comments of UFC CEO Dana White, who mentioned Aspinall’s nosebleed and stated that “Tom didn’t want to continue in the fight”.When it initially happened, I didn’t give it much importance. I thought it was an accidental blow. Watching the fight again, I realized what was happening. The guy tried to take my eyes out throughout the round. In multiple exchanges, almost every time he could put me in danger, he had his fingers extended towards my eyes. He was cheating from the first second. The way he wanted to win that fight was by cheating to hurt me.
Tom Aspinall
The UFC has indicated its intention to reschedule the Aspinall-Gane fight as soon as possible. Aspinall, for his part, is also eager for the rematch, but is unaware of the timeframe for his recovery. According to a medical summary shared on his social media, he still suffers from double and blurred vision. The outcome of the fight was detrimental to both parties, as Aspinall’s career and the UFC heavyweight division had been on hold for much of 2025. Aspinall also addressed the situation with Jon Jones, who announced his retirement.I didn’t continue and I’ll tell you why. Because I’m not an idiot. I’m not going to go out and fight one of the best strikers in the world when I can’t see with one eye. I know, as an MMA fighter, that things are going to happen in a fight that compromise you. If it’s a legal move, you have to fight through it. That’s what we do as fighters. But if it’s illegal, why am I going to risk my health when I can’t see anything?
Tom Aspinall
I think right now, we have to focus on the road back to normality and follow the doctors’ orders. That’s all I can control right now. We’ll cross the bridge [of my future with the UFC] when I feel better and everything is okay. If you were sidelined from your job for 15 months [due to the situation with Jones], unable to do anything, then you train like crazy for six months for a fight, to receive a double blow to the eye and be left without vision for almost six weeks due to an illegal move, how do you think I feel? I don’t feel fantastic, do I?
Tom Aspinall
