Aspinall Still Unfit to Train, Accuses Gane of Cheating

UPDATE: UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains medically unfit to resume training after suffering an illegal eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their title fight on October 25, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Aspinall revealed on social media that he may require surgery due to ongoing symptoms.

This situation is critical for Aspinall, who expressed his frustration over Gane’s actions, labeling him “a big cheater.” The bout was ruled a no-contest after Aspinall could not continue following the incident in the first round. He claims Gane intentionally fouled him multiple times, aiming to disrupt his performance.

“When it happened initially, I didn’t really think much of it. But when I watch the fight back, that’s when I really got the gist of what’s going on. The guy was trying to f—ing poke my eyes out all the way through that round,” Aspinall stated.

With lingering issues like double vision and blurred sight, Aspinall’s recovery timeline remains uncertain. The implications of this injury are significant, as both his career trajectory and the future of the UFC heavyweight division hang in the balance.

UFC CEO Dana White commented on the situation post-fight, saying, “Tom didn’t want to continue in the fight.” Aspinall countered, emphasizing that fighting without full vision against one of the best strikers is a grave risk. “I’m not going to put my health at risk when I can’t see at all,” he stated.

The UFC has announced intentions to rebook the Aspinall-Gane matchup as soon as possible, but with Aspinall’s condition still unclear, fans are left wondering when this highly anticipated fight will take place.

Aspinall further elaborated on the emotional toll this setback has taken on him after training hard for six months, only to face an unexpected injury. “If you were sidelined from doing your job for 15 months, how do you think I feel? I’m not feeling fantastic, am I?”

As the heavyweight division awaits clarity, all eyes are on Aspinall’s recovery journey and the potential for a rematch with Gane. The urgency increases as the UFC looks to stabilize its heavyweight landscape, with significant implications for all involved.