Tom Aspinall’s long-awaited UFC return ended in disaster earlier today (Sat., Oct. 25, 2025) at UFC 321 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as the heavyweight champion
suffered a “knuckle deep” double eye poke compliments of challenger, Ciryl Gane, that left him unable to fight.
Gane’s speed was evident early on as he bloodied up Aspinall’s nose just a bit with lead jabs. “Bon Gamin” also did solid work to Aspinall’s lead leg courtesy of some snapping kicks. Aspinall kept attacking and was trying to find his window of opportunity, but Gane ended up landing the accidental eye pokes.
Aspinall, who waited 15 months to get back into the Octagon, took the full five minutes to try to recover and get his vision back. Unfortunately, the UFC heavyweight champion kept saying he couldn’t see. Doctors checked him out and the fight was eventually waved off and ruled a No Contest. The crowd wasn’t happy, but if Aspinall couldn’t see there’s not much he could do.
While Gane was the one who extended his fingers forward you have to feel for him as well. After all, Gane was looking really good through the first half of the first round and was starting to gain solid momentum. It was an unfortunate ending all around and a fight UFC matchmakers will likely re-book.
Check out video highlights below:
For complete UFC 321 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
