Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane Likely Rematch Date Revealed After Eye Poke Incident
The potential dates for the Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane rematch have been revealed.
In his first defence of the UFC undisputed heavyweight title, champion Aspinall faced number one contender Gane at UFC 321 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
After a promising start from both fighters, things took a turn for the worse after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes, causing a gruesome injury that led to the fight being called off and declared a no contest.
Little detail is known about the extent of Aspinall's injuries or what they could mean for the expected rematch with Gane or even Aspinall's future career in general, with news expected in the coming days.
Advert
But several key names in the MMA community have picked out two dates that would make the most sense for Aspinall and Gane to finally settle their rivalry inside the octagon.
Immediately after the disappointing end to their first fight, UFC President and CEO Dana White announced that the plan was to book the rematch between Aspinall and Gane 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.
It remains to be seen when Aspinall will be ready and able to fight again, but respected MMA journalist Nick Peet has suggested that the champion will be eager to get back into the cage as soon as it is possible.
With that in mind, Peet suggested UFC 323 on December 6 in the famous T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada would be the perfect opportunity to settle the rivalry before the new year.
"The UFC can't wait. I wouldn't wait for the new year with the TV deal, go in December. Go in Vegas, top it straight away, Ciryl Gane deserves it, the fans deserve it, Tom certainly deserves it," Peet suggested on The Fight Disciples YouTube channel.
"Tom will want to get back out because there's a stupid narrative on social media that he looked for a way out because he was losing a round. You're out of your mind if you think that. When he sees that ridiculous narrative that'll fire him up even more."
As it stands, UFC 323 is set to be headline by a bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champion Petr Yan, with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his belt against Joshua Van in the co-main event.
But the Vegas card in December isn't the only potential date that has been suggested for the Aspinall v Gane rematch, as Ariel Helwani has suggested the London card set to take place early next year could be a good fit.
Speaking on his post-fight show, Helwani said: "You have to run it back, maybe you do that spring time event in London...maybe it's a title fight in London or somewhere in Europe, or maybe it's just the Vegas card."
However, Peet hit back on this suggestion during The Fight Disciples episode, suggesting that neither fighter will be willing to wait until March, which is when the card is expected to take place.
Peet added: "I think he (Aspinall) will refuse to wait until the new year. Ciryl's been out for a year in the run up to this, Tom's been out for 14 months, the last thing either of them want to do is wait until London in March.
"No, it's no good, as long as eye health is there, lock in in for December."
Topics: UFC, Tom Aspinall, MMA, Dana White
Ben McCrum