UFC 321 Main Event Ends in Controversy After Eye Poke
The heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 concluded in a no contest after an accidental eye poke left Aspinall unable to continue. The bout was stopped just 2:47 into the first round, disappointing fans at Madison Square Garden.
How the Fight Unfolded
The highly anticipated clash began with both fighters cautiously exchanging strikes. Aspinall (14-3) pushed forward aggressively, while Gane (12-2) used his elite footwork to maintain distance. However, the fight took a sudden turn when Gane’s outstretched fingers connected with Aspinall’s left eye.
Aspinall immediately collapsed in pain, prompting referee Marc Goddard to intervene. After a brief medical evaluation, the fight was officially ruled a no contest due to the unintentional foul.
Post-Fight Reactions: Disappointment and Calls for Change
A frustrated Aspinall addressed the crowd, saying, “I trained so hard for this, and it ends like this? It’s not Ciryl’s fault, but we need better solutions.” Gane apologized, stating, “I never want to win this way. Tom’s a warrior, and I hope we get a rematch.”
UFC President Dana White acknowledged the unfortunate outcome but emphasized fighter safety. “It sucks for everyone, but we have to prioritize health,” he said at the post-fight press conference.
What’s Next for Aspinall and Gane?
With the heavyweight title picture now uncertain, potential next steps include:
– An immediate rematch between Aspinall and Gane.
– Gane facing another top contender like Jailton Almeida or Stipe Miocic.
– UFC revisiting foul rules, with fans demanding stricter penalties for eye pokes.
Eye Pokes in MMA: A Recurring Issue
This incident adds to a growing list of fights affected by accidental fouls, including:
– Jan Blachowicz vs. Dominick Reyes (2021) – Multiple eye pokes.
– Kevin Holland vs. Kyle Daukaus (2022) – No contest due to a clash of heads.
The debate over glove design and referee protocols continues, with many urging the UFC to implement harsher penalties for eye pokes.
Conclusion: Will We See a Rematch?
While UFC 321’s main event ended in disappointment, Aspinall’s injury doesn’t appear long-term. A rematch could be on the horizon, but for now, the MMA world awaits the UFC’s next move in the heavyweight division.
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