UFC Plans Rule Changes After Tom Aspinall Eye Poke Incident at UFC 321

Following the controversial no-contest ending of the UFC 321 heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane due to accidental eye pokes, the UFC is poised to implement significant rule changes to address the issue. Veteran referee Herb Dean confirmed a meeting in November to discuss eliminating the ambiguous distinction between intentional and unintentional eye pokes, proposing a focus on recklessness to simplify enforcement. Former UFC fighter Josh Thomson and champion Henry Cejudo have advocated for stricter penalties, including automatic point deductions and potential disqualification for repeated fouls, as well as equipment redesign to reduce eye poke risks. UFC president Dana White and others have acknowledged the need for change following widespread dissatisfaction with the fight's premature stoppage. These developments reflect growing momentum within the MMA community to enhance fighter safety and improve the clarity and consistency of rules surrounding eye pokes. While no formal changes have been announced yet, the discussions suggest upcoming amendments could be implemented before the end of the year.