Tom Aspinall’s frustration with Ciryl Gane has reached a boiling point months after their heavyweight title bout ended in controversy. The two met at UFC 321, but the fight never reached a meaningful conclusion after an accidental eye poke from Gane forced Aspinall to stop competing in the opening round. The result was ruled a no contest, leaving both the title picture and Aspinall’s health unresolved.
Since that night in October, Aspinall has undergone repeated medical evaluations related to persistent vision problems. His return timeline remains uncertain, and recent comments suggest that surgery is now unavoidable.
A Routine Post Sparks a Heated Response
Gane recently shared a training update on social media, posting footage of himself working out alongside fellow heavyweight Tai Tuivasa.
“Still no date or opponent yet… but we keep grinding and training hard before the holidays 💪🔥 with my man @bambamtuivasa,” Gane wrote.
What appeared to be a harmless message quickly turned into a flashpoint. Aspinall responded directly in the comments, making it clear that his absence from the cage is not a matter of choice.
“No sh*t there’s not a date yet. I’m not medically cleared to fight and about to have surgery thanks to your disgusting fingernails 👍 I’ll be back to smash your face in soon you cheat,” Aspinall replied.
🚨Tom Aspinall has lashed out at Ciryl Gane in an explosive social media exchange👀 pic.twitter.com/ZsNuNrj0o9
— Fighters Only (@FightersOnly) December 17, 2025
While Aspinall has occasionally joked about the situation in past interviews, his latest response highlights how seriously the injury has impacted him. The heavyweight champion has previously confirmed he was diagnosed with bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome, a rare condition that limits eye movement and can severely affect vision.
The exact recovery period following surgery is still unknown, leaving the UFC without a clear answer on when its heavyweight champion can defend his title again.
Despite the uncertainty, the UFC has not announced plans for an interim heavyweight championship. For now, the division remains in limbo as Aspinall focuses on treatment rather than matchmaking.
Until he is medically cleared, Aspinall’s focus appears fixed on recovery and, eventually, a second meeting with Gane. Based on his words, he has no intention of letting their first encounter be the final chapter.
