Ciryl Gane walked away from UFC 321 with mixed emotions after his heavyweight championship bout with Tom Aspinall ended abruptly.
In the closing minute of the first round, Gane’s outstretched fingers caught Aspinall in the eye, forcing an immediate pause. After several moments of medical attention, the referee stopped the contest when Aspinall confirmed he couldn’t see clearly. The bout was ruled a no contest, allowing Aspinall to retain his title.
“I think I started very well,” Gane said backstage at Etihad Arena. “Everybody knows his game plan — he starts really hard and surprises people. I defended the takedown, landed my shots, and saw some blood from his nose. It was a really great first round, so I was a little disappointed and sad about how it ended. But this is a sport.”
Gane: ‘I Didn’t Do It on Purpose’
The French contender was quick to clarify that the foul was completely accidental.
“I didn’t feel anything specific,” Gane explained. “I didn’t do it on purpose. I know what it’s like to get poked in the eye because when I fought Derrick Lewis, I got an eye poke and was seeing two of him for a round. I know exactly how that feels.”
Gane believed his preparation was paying off before the unfortunate end.
“I knew he likes to start fast, so I kept touching him, defended the takedown, and was feeling a good rhythm,” he said. “I was ready for everything — wrestling, grappling, striking. I wanted to show my creativity in striking, it’s something I really enjoy.”
Recap of Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane:
🔹Gane forgets to bring his cup
🔹At 0:22 Gane lands a jab and breaks Tom’s nose
🔹Gane bites on most Tom faint
🔹1:04 Gane defends a TD
🔹Tom throws a spinning kick
🔹4:30 Gane pokes Tom. The fight is called off.pic.twitter.com/2irSu2JXeS— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) October 26, 2025
After the event, UFC CEO Dana White said the organization intends to rebook the matchup once medical checks are complete.
“It looked like it was going to be a great fight — shame about the ending,” White said. “Total pain in the ass, but yes, we’ll run it back as soon as both are ready.”
Gane remains optimistic.
“That’s part of fighting. Things like this happen. I’ll be ready when it’s time,” he added.
Tom Aspinall was transported to a local hospital for evaluation after the injury. While many fans and analysts have been critical of the champion for not continuing — including former UFC star Chael Sonnen, who argued he should’ve fought on despite the damaged eye — the full extent of Aspinall’s injury is not yet known.
