The UFC 321 main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane was expected to usher in a new chapter in heavyweight history. Instead, it ended before the first round was over, and the fighters weren’t happy about it.
An accidental eye poke forced referee Jason Herzog to call the fight a no-contest, ending it at an official 4:35 minutes of fighting time.
Aspinall, who was making his first defense as undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, entered the Octagon in Abu Dhabi as a heavy favorite against Gane.
After a brief exchange of strikes in which Gane busted Aspinall’s nose, the challenger’s outstretched hand caught both of Aspinall’s eyes, leaving the British fighter unable to see.
The fight was waved off at 4:35 of Round 1, silencing the packed Etihad Arena.
When the result was announced, boos echoed through the venue, and Aspinall, still squinting and visibly frustrated, made his feelings clear during his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.
“Guys, I just got poked knuckle-deep in the eyeball. What the [expletive]? Why are you booing?” Aspinall said. “What am I supposed to do about it? I didn’t do the [expletive] poke. I can’t see.”
Added Aspinall: “This is [expletive], the fight was just getting going. Complete [expletive]. I’m pissed off.”
It was Aspinall’s first appearance since being promoted to undisputed champion following Jon Jones’ retirement, and his first opportunity to solidify his status at the top of the division.
Gane, meanwhile, was quick to take responsibility and apologize to everyone involved.
“First, I’m sorry. I’m very sorry about that for the crowd, for the fans, for everybody,” Gane said afterward. “I’m sorry for Tom Aspinall, I’m sorry for myself. We put a lot of energy into this fight, so I’m really disappointed, but this is the sport.”
The accidental foul ended one of the most anticipated heavyweight bouts of the year before it had a chance to develop.
The UFC is now expected to discuss whether to rebook the matchup or move forward with other contenders, such as No. 2 heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov, who earned a split decision win earlier on the card when facing No. 5 contender Jailton Almeida.
