Urgent Update: Tom Aspinall’s Vision Deteriorates After UFC 321

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall faces serious health concerns following a catastrophic eye poke during his title bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The fight, held on October 21, 2023, ended in the first no-contest in UFC title fight history after Aspinall was rendered unable to continue due to the incident.

In a troubling update from his father and head coach, Andy Aspinall, the 32-year-old fighter’s condition appears dire. “It’s not good,” he stated in a video on Aspinall’s YouTube channel. “His right eye, he can’t see anything. It’s just gray.” Doctors conducted tests revealing that Aspinall’s left eye is only functioning at 50 percent, significantly impacting his vision.

Andy confirmed to ESPN that while his son avoided “bone damage,” further tests are necessary to assess the long-term effects of the injury. The UFC’s CEO, Dana White, announced plans to rebook the matchup between Aspinall and Gane, but the timeline remains uncertain as the fighter’s team awaits more information about his recovery.

Aspinall’s emotional state was evident immediately following the bout, as he expressed frustration and concern in the Octagon. The implications of this injury extend beyond Aspinall’s career; the heavyweight division remains in a precarious state after this incident.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Aspinall’s vision is at risk, and his future in the sport hangs in the balance. Fans and fellow fighters are rallying in support as the UFC’s medical team continues to monitor his condition closely.

As developments unfold, the MMA community watches with bated breath, hoping for a positive outcome for Aspinall. “Hopefully it will be alright,” Andy said. However, he cautioned, “But it might not be.”

Stay tuned for updates as this situation progresses.