Aspinall Still Unfit for Training, Calls Gane a “Cheater”

UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains medically unfit to return to training following an illegal eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their title fight on October 25, 2023, in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall revealed on social media that he may need surgery due to persistent symptoms, which include double vision and blurred vision.

The heavyweight title bout ended in a controversial no-contest when Aspinall was unable to continue after the eye poke in the first round. The 15-3 fighter expressed his frustration, labeling Gane as a “big cheater” and claiming the foul was intentional. Aspinall stated, “The guy was trying to f—ing poke my eyes out all the way through that round.”

Aspinall’s comments highlight the emotional toll the incident has taken on him. “I didn’t want to continue because I’m not a f—ing dummy,” he said, defending his decision not to fight when compromised. “If it’s an illegal move, why am I going to put my health at risk when I can’t see at all?”

The UFC indicated it plans to rebook the Aspinall-Gane matchup as soon as possible. However, Aspinall admitted he lacks clarity on his recovery timeline. His lingering symptoms have put a hold on his career, with significant implications for the heavyweight division.

The fallout from the no-contest has created a challenging situation for both fighters and the UFC. Aspinall’s path back to the octagon is uncertain, especially with the heavyweight division having been in a holding pattern for most of 2025. Previously, the UFC had planned for a lucrative matchup between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, which has now shifted focus as Jones announced his retirement.

Aspinall remains hopeful for a swift return to competition, but he is prioritizing his health. “We’ve got to focus on the path back to normal and following doctors’ orders,” he said. The impact of this situation is palpable, as Aspinall’s frustration with the circumstances surrounding his fight continues to resonate with fans and analysts alike.

As the MMA community watches closely, the urgency of Aspinall’s recovery and the potential for a rematch with Gane hang in the balance. What happens next could significantly alter the trajectory of the heavyweight division in the coming months.