MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has provided an update on Tom Aspinall's eye injury following the UFC champion's dad's worrying comments.
Aspinall's long-awaited return to the octagon ended in disaster after opponent Ciryl Gane poked him in both eyes during the first round of their fight for the UFC heavyweight title in the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
The heavyweight champion suffered severely impaired vision in both eyes, forcing referee Jason Herzog calling to call off the fight and render it a no-contest.
Since then, UFC fans have been eager to learn more about the injury and how severe it is, with the latest update coming from Aspinall's dad Andy, who confirmed that the champion still cannot see from one of his eyes three days after the poke.
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And now, respected MMA journalist Helwani has posted a video reacting to Andy's comments, providing a further update on the situation and when fans should expect Aspinall to return to the octagon.
In a new video posted on Aspinall's YouTube channel, Tom's dad Andy confirmed that his son was set to undergo further tests and a CT scan as he remains sightless in his right eye, with his left eye vision at around 50%.
Helwani reacted to this information during his latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, calling out fans and fellow pundits who have suggested that Aspinall should return to the octagon before the end of the year.
"Saying that he can't see still is obviously very concerning and you hope that he will be able to make a recovery at some point.
"All this talk about 'put him on the MSG or in December' is crazy, it's just absolutely crazy. We live in a world where the more you tell people, the more people think you are bull******** in a weird way.
"We don't get this kind of transparency from anyone, most people are hiding for a week or so after something like this."
Helwani's co-host then pointed out that fans were likely to leave the video with the same opinion they had before, suggesting that even if Andy had revealed that Tom would be fit to fight by the end of the year, some would suggests that proved he was faking the injury.
Regardless of when Aspinall returns, it is already clear that a rematch against Gane will be next as UFC President and CEO Dana White announced his the plans was to book the fight as soon as possible.
"The rematch is very interesting. Right here, right now, being honest – I never do this when it comes to talking about what next fight is going to happen – the rematch is what makes sense," White confirmed after the disappointing end to their first fight.
Topics: Tom Aspinall, UFC, MMA, Ariel Helwani, Dana White
Ben McCrum