Sep 3, 2022; Paris, FRANCE; Ciryl Gane (red gloves) before fighting Tai Tuivasa (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC Analysts Reflect On Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane Eye Poke Controversy At UFC 321; Reveal A Rematch Would Play Out Very Different!

Sep 3, 2022; Paris, FRANCE; Ciryl Gane (red gloves) before fighting Tai Tuivasa (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

First impressions matter enormously in championship fights that never reach a proper conclusion through competition. Fighters reveal their gameplans, strengths, and strategies in those opening minutes. Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane gave everyone just 4:35 of action before the accidental eye poke. But those few minutes provided valuable information that both fighters will analyze endlessly before their rematch.

Gane looked sharp with his jab finding range and bloodying the champion’s nose effectively early. Aspinall appeared uncomfortable with Gane’s reach and struggled to close distance without getting tagged cleanly. The no contest ruling left fans disappointed and both fighters frustrated about the abrupt ending. But UFC analysts Jon Anik and Kenny Florian believe those opening minutes will significantly impact how the rematch unfolds. The veterans discussed the situation on their Anik and Florian Podcast with fascinating insights about both fighters. Their analysis suggests the rematch won’t simply be a continuation of the first fight’s trajectory.

Jon Anik Credits Ciryl Gane Had Perfect Preparation And Execution

Jon Anik praised Ciryl Gane’s performance before the unfortunate eye poke ended everything prematurely at UFC 321. The veteran commentator noted that Gane appeared to be in the best shape mentally, physically, and emotionally. His preparation clearly paid dividends as he executed his gameplan perfectly from the opening bell. Gane had found his jab length early and was using it to control distance masterfully against Aspinall. The French striker was landing clean shots and had already bloodied up the champion’s nose noticeably.

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Anik feels that Ciryl missed a huge opportunity that was right there for the taking. He stated about the eye poke that ruined Gane’s momentum. Everything was going according to plan before the accidental foul changed everything in an instant. Gane was imposing his will, controlling the pace, and potentially winning the first round on all scorecards. That success makes the ending even more devastating for the French contender and his coaching staff. They watched months of preparation get erased by one careless moment with extended fingers during exchanges.

Kenny Florian Predicts Advantage Shifts To Tom Aspinall For Rematch

Kenny Florian jumped into the conversation with a different perspective about how the rematch will unfold. The former UFC title challenger agreed that things were going perfectly for Gane before the stoppage. But he believes the advantage now shifts completely to Tom Aspinall moving forward into their next meeting.

Florian explained that Aspinall now knows exactly what Gane brings to the table strategically and technically. The champion got a firsthand look at Gane’s reach, timing, and striking patterns in those opening minutes. Aspinall’s team will study that footage endlessly and develop specific counters for Gane’s jab-heavy approach. They will work on closing distance more effectively without eating clean shots coming in carelessly against that length. The element of surprise that worked so well for Gane completely disappears in the rematch entirely.

Additionally, Florian noted that Ciryl Gane will be under immense pressure to keep his fingers closed this time. Referees will watch him closely, and any extended fingers will draw immediate warnings and point deductions. That awareness might affect Gane’s comfort level when throwing strikes and defending takedowns naturally. The mental burden of knowing another eye poke could cost him the fight will add extra pressure. Meanwhile, Aspinall fights with nothing to lose and everything to prove about his toughness and heart. The champion will come out aggressive and determined to erase doubts created by the no contest.

(Image Credit: Per Haljestam – Imagn Images)

Ciryl Gane

Jon Anik

Kenny Florian

Tom Aspinall

UFC 321

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!