UFC 321 Main Event Ends in Controversial No Contest After Eye Poke Incident

UFC 321 Main Event Ends in Controversial No Contest After Eye Poke

Las Vegas, NV – The highly anticipated main event of UFC 321 between heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and challenger Ciryl Gane took an unexpected turn, ending in a no contest after a controversial eye poke left Aspinall unable to continue.

The fight began with a thrilling exchange of heavy strikes, as both fighters showcased their skills in front of an electrified crowd. Gane’s precise jabs bloodied Aspinall’s nose, while the champion retaliated with powerful leg kicks and clean punches, setting the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable bout.

However, the excitement was abruptly halted in the closing moments of the first round. As Gane attempted a kick, his hand inadvertently poked Aspinall in both eyes. The fight was immediately paused, allowing Aspinall a chance to recover. It quickly became apparent that the champion was struggling, repeatedly informing referee Jason Herzog and the cageside doctor that he could not see out of his right eye.

Despite being given several minutes to regain his vision, Aspinall’s condition did not improve, leading to the fight being declared a no contest at the 4:35 mark of Round 1. The decision left fans in attendance visibly frustrated, with boos echoing throughout the arena.

In a post-fight interview, an emotional Aspinall expressed his disappointment. “Guys, I just got poked knuckle deep in the eyeball. What the f— are you booing? I didn’t do the poke. This is bullshit, the fight was just getting going, complete bullshit. I’m pissed off,” he said.

Gane, who was visibly upset by the turn of events, took responsibility for the incident. “I feel sorry at first, I’m very sorry for the fans. I’m sorry for Tom Aspinall. I’m sorry for myself. We put a lot of energy into this fight, and I’m disappointed, but this is the sport,” he stated.

The no contest result marks a setback for both fighters. Gane was looking to capture the heavyweight championship in his third attempt, while Aspinall was making his first title defense. The fight had been shaping up to be a classic, with both athletes displaying their striking prowess.

The undercard of UFC 321 featured several notable bouts, including Mackenzie Dern’s unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba and Umar Nurmagomedov’s dominant performance against Mario Bautista.

As fans left the arena, the disappointment lingered, but the hope for a rematch between Aspinall and Gane remains strong. The UFC continues to promise thrilling matchups, and this incident only adds fuel to the fire for future encounters in the heavyweight division.