Featured Image Credit: Tom Aspinall
Topics: Tom Aspinall, UFC, MMA, Dana White
Ben McCrum
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has shared close ups of his eyes following the injury that prematurely ended his fight with Ciryl Gane.
A triumphant return to the UFC octagon for heavyweight champion Aspinall ended in disaster after the fight was stopped just minutes into the first round due to an eye injury sustained by Aspinall.
After a competitive beginning to the fight, Aspinall's opponent Ciryl Gane accidentally poked the champion in both eyes, immediately forcing the Brit to take a step back as he could no longer see and was in agonising pain.
Following some deliberation between Aspinall's team, referee Jason Herzog and medical officials, the fight was ended early and ruled a no-contest, leaving many fans concerned about the extent of Aspinall's injuries.
Advert
But now, Aspinall has shared a detailed look at both of his eyes, giving a clearer view of how bad the injury truly is and perhaps suggesting when we could expect him to fight next.
After 14 months away from the octagon while he waited for former champion Jon Jones to make a decision on his future, Saturday night was supposed to be a statement win for Aspinall in his first undisputed title defence.
Unfortunately, things obviously did not go to plan as the brutal eye pokes robbed Aspinall of the chance to show why he is the champion and stopped his opponent Gane from potentially winning the biggest fight of his career.
Advert
Thankfully, it appears that the injuries to Aspinall's eyes are not as severe as many had worried they could be, as the 32-year-old shared images of both eyes while he was in hospital post-fight.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Aspinall showed that both eyes were clearly bloodshot and red, but confirmed that there doesn't appear to be any long-term damage.
Having had a series of tests done on him from doctors in Abu Dhabi, Aspinall must now wear a bandage over his right eye and rest for two days as he travels back to the United Kingdom.
Advert
Once back in the UK, Aspinall will undergo further tests on Monday which should reveal the complete extent of any damage done to his high, giving some kind of an indication on when he can return to the octagon.
Regardless of when he is able to come back, there is no doubt who it will be against after UFC president and CEO Dana White confirmed that the rematch will be booked as soon as possible.
"So 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 post-fight.
Given the fact it is not yet known exactly how badly Aspinall's eyes are injured, it's impossible to say exactly when this rematch could take place, but if the damage isn't severe many have suggested UFC 323 on December 6 could be a potential date for the fight.