Aspinall-Gane Title Fight Ruled No-Contest

At UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, the undisputed heavyweight title fight between champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane was halted late in the first round and ruled a no-contest after Gane accidentally double‑poked Aspinall in the eyes. Referee Jason Herzog stopped the contest after ringside doctors determined Aspinall could not see out of his right eye; he was taken to a local hospital and later posted video saying initial checks found no serious damage but that he needs further specialist tests in the UK. The stoppage drew boos from the 13,220‑strong crowd and prompted visible frustration from Aspinall and an apology from Gane, while Aspinall’s father and coach Andy Aspinall called for the UFC to track fighters who repeatedly commit dangerous fouls. The incident has reignited debate over glove design and other measures to reduce eye pokes, and UFC CEO Dana White said a rematch is likely once Aspinall recovers, leaving the heavyweight title picture and Aspinall’s recovery timeline uncertain.