MMA Legend’s Brutal Punishment Suggestion to Eye-Pokes Go Viral After UFC 321 Ending

UFC veteran Jim Miller goes viral after Tom Aspinall couldn't continue at UFC 321 for eye-poke related offense from Ciryl Gane.

MMA Legend’s Brutal Punishment Suggestion to Eye-Pokes Go Viral After UFC 321 Ending

Jim Millers stance on the UFC 321 eye poke controversy (via MMA Fighting)

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Eye pokes have long been among the most disruptive fouls in elite mixed martial arts, frequently overturning momentum, altering outcomes, and sparking regulatory debate. The issue has been pushed back to the forefront in the aftermath of the UFC 321 bout between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Long-tenured contender Jim Miller publicly advocated for financial penalties tied directly to such fouls.

At UFC 321, Aspinall, who is the heavyweight champion, faced Gane in a title bout that was halted near the end of the opening round after the Frenchman landed what was ruled an accidental double eye poke. Aspinall was unable to continue due to impaired vision, and the contest was declared a no-contest following a medical assessment inside the cage.

There has been significant debate regarding the role of glove design in accidental eye pokes. In mid-2024, the UFC introduced new gloves to reduce fouls, but the promotion discontinued them after observing a decline in knockout percentages. To illustrate his point, Miller shared a video on X that demonstrated standard gloves while showing how accidental eye strikes can still occur.

You wanna know a secret? I’ve got hours inside the Octagon wearing these gloves; it’s not the gloves. Look, I can close my fist, I can bend the ends of my fingers without the glove even moving, so if it was the glove that held my hand open, I could still (bend my fingers).

Jim Miller via X

Miller’s perspective carries weight because of his long career and familiarity with the mechanics and strategies of mixed martial arts. His tenure in the sport has allowed him to observe firsthand the frequency and impact of accidental fouls, as well as the need for measures that protect fighters while preserving fair competition. The veteran recently provided a solution for eye pokes after UFC 321.

But most of these eye pokes are (straight finger and hands), my hand is not getting held open like that, are you kidding me? What causes the eye pokes is the little **** inside that’s being passive and avoiding the fight and not being aggressive. And that little voice needs to get punished by an immediate point being taken away, and in my opinion, a portion of the purse, and then I think you would see them stop, real quick.

Jim Miller via X

The brutal history of eye pokes in the UFC has proved the claims wrong. Former UFC contender Darren Till once described an eye poke as the “most painful experience” he faced during training. Another example of this is the 2021 bout between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards, which controversially ended in a no-contest after ‘Rocky’ accidentally poked Muhammad’s eye in the second round.

While many are blaming Tom Aspinall for quitting early against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, these experiences highlight the seriousness of an eye-poke foul. UFC 321 added another high-profile instance of an eye-poke stoppage, and Jim Miller’s reputation lent authority to calls for reform. Attention is now on how commissions and promotions may adjust policies to improve fighter safety and accountability in bouts.

Ciryl Gane reacts to the eye poke no-contest against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321

UFC 321 was a pivotal event for Ciryl Gane, who was entering the bout for his third career title shot. Gane had previously challenged for championships twice, falling short against Francis Ngannou in his first attempt and Jon Jones in his second. The fight against Tom Aspinall represented another opportunity for Gane to claim a heavyweight title and solidify his legacy in the division.

Tom Aspinall gets eye poked against Ciryl Gane (via X)
Tom Aspinall gets eye poked against Ciryl Gane (via X)

The bout ended abruptly after an accidental eye poke, leaving Gane visibly emotional inside the Octagon. He dropped to his knees and apologized to the crowd, reflecting the immediate physical and emotional toll of the stoppage. The moment underscored how unpredictable and impactful fouls can be in high-stakes contests. ‘Bon Gamin’ recapped the experience in the post-fight press conference.

I really, really wanted to continue the fight. I was at first angry because I didn’t want him to stop the fight, then disappointed, sad, and apologetic for the people. I didn’t do it on purpose. I know what it is to have an eye poke.

Ciryl Gane via UFC 321 press conference

Beyond UFC 321, the incident carried wider implications for Gane’s career. A third unsuccessful title attempt could affect rankings, match-making opportunities, and legacy considerations in the heavyweight division. The outcome emphasized the fine margins at the championship level and the ongoing challenges for fighters seeking to secure a definitive title victory.

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