Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Aspinall Injury Update- What Happened to Tom Aspinall and Why Was the UFC 321 Main Event Called Off?

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC heavyweight division has simmered with uncertainty since Jon Jones’ abrupt retirement earlier this year, thrusting Tom Aspinall into the undisputed champion’s spotlight without a defining victory. Fans and analysts buzzed with anticipation for UFC 321’s main event at Etihad Arena, pitting Aspinall against Ciryl Gane in a long-brewing rivalry. The Brit, who captured the interim title in November 2023 and defended it against Curtis Blaydes last summer, entered as the favorite to solidify his reign. Yet questions loomed; if Aspinall could prove that he’s a true heavyweight champ and survive five-round war, or if Gane would pull off an upset. However, a Tom Aspinall eye poke shut down the fight immediately. Let’s find out more.

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UFC 321 Aspinall vs Gane: Hype Ends in Eye Poke Chaos

The fight exploded from the opening bell. Gane landed a sharp jab, bloodying Aspinall’s nose, while the champ answered with a spinning kick and straight right. Both traded furiously, Gane’s side kicks targeting Aspinall’s legs, and the Brit pressed forward.

With 30 seconds left in Round 1 disaster struck as Gane’s extended hand during a kick raked Aspinall’s eyes, resulting in a brutal Tom Aspinall eye poke. Aspinall crumpled, unable to see. Referee Marc Goddard called in the doctor at 4:35; with Aspinall’s vision compromised, the fight was ruled a no-contest. After the stop, the champ retained his title, but was livid, telling Daniel Cormier, “Knuckle-deep in both eyes- I couldn’t see.” On the other hand, Gane apologized, insisting on the eye poke being accidental.

Fight gets called off due to Tom Aspinall being unable to see after an eye poke from Ciryl Gane! Absolutely brutal outcome! #UFC321 pic.twitter.com/XXHtW14ISU
— Submission Radio (@SubmissionRadio) October 25, 2025

Fans Boo as Abu Dhabi Dreams Fizzle

The Tom Aspinall eye poke gutted fans, who booed loudly as the abrupt stoppage sank in. Etihad Arena’s crowd, hyped for Abu Dhabi’s big headliner, felt robbed. “I can’t see- what do you want?” Aspinall yelled at jeering fans. Social media is currently raged with Tom Aspinall’s eye poke trending.

Tom Aspinall speaks on eye poke that ended the fight at UFC321 pic.twitter.com/XdNCAm8CxH
— Anxxious (@OctaPlanet) October 25, 2025

Now all the fans are wondering about is the rematch between Aspinall vs Gane. The heavyweight division remains in limbo, with its champ still untested. Nobody thought of an eye poke deciding the contest, but here we are.

Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall

UFC

UFC 321

UFC 321 Aspinall vs Gane

Eric Divakaran

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nfl

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