Tom Aspinall has spent the past few weeks addressing waves of criticism following the abrupt and controversial ending to his heavyweight title defence against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. What was expected to be a defining night for the British champion instead turned into a debate across the MMA community, triggered by a double eye poke that rendered him unable to continue in the opening round.
The no-contest ruling immediately ignited backlash online, with some fans questioning whether Aspinall should have fought through the injury. However, the champion moved to silence his doubters this week by releasing the full clinical findings from his medical evaluation — a detailed report that paints a far more serious picture of the damage he suffered inside the Octagon.
In truth, the medical data leaves little doubt as to why Aspinall made the decision he did. The level of trauma documented not only explained his inability to continue, but also highlighted how dangerous it would have been to step forward against one of the division’s most technical strikers while unable to see properly.
The Extent of the Injury: Why Tom Aspinall Could Not Continue
The clinical report released by Aspinall included several alarming findings. Advanced imaging confirmed orbital soft-tissue trauma, along with orthoptic evaluations revealing impaired binocular coordination – meaning his eyes were no longer working together normally. Doctors also diagnosed bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome, a condition linked to damage or disruption to the superior oblique tendon and trochlear mechanism.
Beyond that, Aspinall was suffering from persistent diplopia (double vision), reduced visual acuity, and significant peripheral vision impairment, issues that were further validated through automated perimetry testing. As if those injuries weren’t concerning enough, he also sustained a minimally displaced fracture to the right medial orbital wall.
Taken individually, these conditions would severely hinder any athlete. Combined, they created a scenario where continuing the fight would have put Aspinall at extreme risk. For a heavyweight facing a polished striker like Gane, competing under those circumstances simply wasn’t an option.
The findings confirm that Aspinall’s decision was not just logical but medically necessary. The champion himself has stated repeatedly that he is committed to testing himself against the best, but only when he is physically capable of defending himself. UFC 321 was not that moment.
Ben Askren Calls Aspinall ‘Whiny’ – Champion Responds
Hours after releasing his medical update, Aspinall addressed the incident further in a 12-minute YouTube video. A clip from that interview — where he referred to Ciryl Gane as a “big cheater” — quickly went viral.
“The guy was trying to f—ing poke my eyes out,” Aspinall said as he reflected on the chaotic start to the fight.
“The guy was cheating from the first second… I think he’s a big cheater. Look at all his fights.”
The comments picked up traction, prompting reactions from fighters and analysts across the sport. Among the most vocal was former UFC contender Ben Askren, who shared the viral clip on social media platform X with a pointed response.
“This is so whiny. Bad look,” Askren wrote, dismissing Aspinall’s complaints as unnecessary.
While the exchange created another talking point for fans, most supporters of Aspinall have defended his frustration, especially given the severity of the eye injuries now made public. From Aspinall’s perspective, his anger is less about the result and more about an avoidable foul that derailed months of preparation and his first shot at establishing himself as the undisputed heavyweight king.
Dana White’s Post-Fight Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Around the same time, UFC president Dana White made comments during his UFC 321 post-fight press conference that only intensified the controversy.
“Tom didn’t want to continue in the fight,” White said, a line that many interpreted as a subtle criticism of the champion’s decision.
Fans were quick to react, suggesting White’s phrasing implied a lack of willingness rather than an inability caused by serious injury. Unsurprisingly, Aspinall didn’t appreciate the tone.
“I’ll tell you why I didn’t continue, because I’m not a f—— dummy,” Aspinall said when asked about White’s remark.
“I’m not gonna go out there and fight one of the best strikers in the world if I can’t see with any eye… When it’s a foul, why am I going to put my health at risk when I can’t see at all.”
When a reporter jokingly asked if he was unhappy with White’s assessment, Aspinall laughed before replying,
“Well, what do you think?”
His reaction makes it clear that the issue is far from settled. Whether it leads to tension between champion and promoter remains to be seen, but Aspinall appears firm in his stance: he prioritised his long-term health and made the smart decision, regardless of external pressure.
What Comes Next for Tom Aspinall?
Although the controversy has overshadowed the outcome of UFC 321, the heavyweight division now awaits clarity on Aspinall’s next move. A rematch with Gane seems possible, though only once the champion receives medical clearance and full visual recovery.
Aspinall’s fan base remains strong, and many feel the release of his medical documentation has vindicated him. Rather than weakening his reputation, the transparency appears to have strengthened it, showcasing a fighter unwilling to compromise his safety just to satisfy critics.
As he prepares for what comes next, Aspinall’s message is clear: he didn’t step away because of fear — he stepped away because fighting blind would have been reckless. His focus now shifts to healing, regaining full function, and returning to the Octagon to prove why he is still the man to beat at heavyweight.
