Urgent Update: Tom Aspinall’s Eye Injury Raises Serious Concerns

UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is facing significant health concerns following a brutal eye poke in his title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Aspinall’s father and head coach, Andy Aspinall, revealed troubling details about his son’s condition, stating, “His right eye, he can’t see anything. It’s just gray.”

The incident occurred in the first round of the bout, where Gane accidentally poked both of Aspinall’s eyes. The fight was ultimately ruled a historic no-contest, marking the first of its kind in UFC title fight history. Aspinall, 32, was hospitalized immediately after the incident and has been undergoing extensive tests to assess the damage.

In a video update posted to Tom’s YouTube channel, Andy confirmed that while they hope for the best, the situation remains dire. “His left eye is 50 percent. He went about four letters down the chart and then he couldn’t see letters. One is really, really blurry — and one is not working,” he added.

Doctors have assured the Aspinall camp that there is no “bone damage” from the foul, but further evaluations are ongoing. Aspinall has not issued an official statement since the fight, but his visible distress in the Octagon has raised alarms among fans and analysts alike.

UFC CEO Dana White announced plans to rebook the matchup between Aspinall and Gane, although a date is yet to be determined. This decision will largely depend on the long-term effects of Aspinall’s injury.

Andy Aspinall expressed cautious optimism, stating, “Hopefully, it will be alright. But it might not be.”

The situation is being closely monitored by fans and the broader sports community as the implications for Aspinall’s career unfold. The heavyweight division remains in flux, and the urgency to address this injury adds a layer of tension to future matchups.

As updates continue to pour in, the focus remains on Tom Aspinall’s recovery and the potential for his return to the Octagon.