The world of UFC is holding its breath: Tom Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight champion, has been sidelined due to a devastating eye injury, leaving fans wondering when he'll return to the Octagon. But what's the real story behind this extended absence? Let's dive in.
Aspinall's UFC future is currently uncertain. The incident occurred at UFC 321 last October when Ciryl Gane accidentally poked him in the eye, ending their title fight in a first-round no-contest. The injury has kept Aspinall out of action ever since. Following the incident, the champion has been seeking medical attention for the damage he sustained from his French challenger's fouls. Recently, Aspinall revealed he will undergo surgery. The updates have been scarce since the incident, but the champ says that is part and parcel of an eye injury.
Do you understand why Tom Aspinall could not continue at UFC 321?
Clinical Findings
- Advanced imaging confirmed orbital soft-tissue trauma
- Orthoptic evaluations demonstrated impaired binocular coordination and restricted ocular motility
- Bilateral traumatic Brown’s eye syndrome, indicating disruption of the superior oblique tendon-trochlear mechanism
- Persistent diplopia (double vision)
- Reduced best-corrected visual acuity post-trauma
- Marked peripheral visual field impairment confirmed by automated perimetry
- Minimally displaced fracture of the right medial orbital wall
Months after UFC 321, Aspinall still doesn't have a recovery timeline. This has led to speculation about a potential interim heavyweight title fight between Gane and Alex Pereira during the champion's absence.
Speaking on Paddy Pimblett's YouTube channel, Aspinall explained the prolonged process between the eye pokes and the confirmation of surgery. "It's been a bit of a long process," Aspinall said. "With other injuries, they just fix them straight away. With eyes, they try to let them — because it's obviously risky — they try to let them heal naturally." Aspinall continued, "So we're getting surgery, keeping me out for a little bit, not sure how long. It's just been a slow process. It's been a nightmare, to be honest."
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the setback, Aspinall is already looking ahead to a rematch with Gane. In a recent interview, he dismissed retirement rumors and outlined his plan to "beat the living daylights out of Ciryl Gane" when they meet again. "I'm not even thinking about (retiring) because you've got to take one step at a time, don't you?" Aspinall said. "Obviously, the plan is to go back and beat the living daylights out of Ciryl Gane, that's the plan. But right now, the short-term plan is to get back to where I should be and get back in the gym," he added.
What do you think? Do you agree with Aspinall's cautious approach to his eye injury? Do you think the UFC should consider an interim title fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We want to hear from you.
