Ciryl Gane Warned About Facing ‘Harder’ Tom Aspinall Test in Rematch by Daniel Cormier

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier talks about the much-anticipated Ciryl Gane vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight title rematch.

Ciryl Gane Warned About Facing ‘Harder’ Tom Aspinall Test in Rematch by Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier predicts a hard fight for Ciryl Gane against Tom Aspinall in the rematch (via X)

Last weekend, the heavyweight title clash between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall ended in disappointment after an accidental eye poke stopped the bout. Despite being given recovery time by the referee, Aspinall was unable to continue the fight due to blurred vision issues. The no-contest result left Gane heartbroken, as it marked his third failed attempt to capture the prestigious UFC heavyweight title. 

Going into the fight, Ciryl Gane was considered the underdog because of Tom Aspinall’s dominant form and devastating knockout ability. When the bout began, both fighters appeared sharp, with Gane landing precise strikes that left the champion bloodied early on.

Unfortunately, the accidental eye poke halted the action abruptly, but fans are now hyped about the immediate title rematch. Afterward, Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen discussed the controversy on their podcast, emphasizing the dynamics going into the rematch.

The rematch got a lot harder for Ciryl Gane, regardless of if Tom respected him this time. Because now, Tom Aspinall is going to know what Ciryl Gane can do and has felt him. Tom Aspinall, I like a lot – I think he can be a great heavyweight champion…Only thing there you absolute cannot say inside of a fight, and that’s, ‘I can’t see.’ Once you say, ‘I can’t see,’ there’s no coming back from it. The fight is over.

Daniel Cormier via Good Guy/Bad Guy Show 

Gane had previously suffered heavyweight title losses against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, but was confident about defeating Tom Aspinall. After the unfortunate eye poke incident, Gane sincerely apologized to the fans and clarified that the foul was completely accidental. He also expressed respect toward Aspinall, refusing to blame him for being unable to continue fighting under such risky conditions.

Many experts and fans praised Gane’s sharp performance, highlighting his early dominance and technical striking before the fight was prematurely stopped. Unlike other heavyweights, the Frenchman is fast, and he was able to challenge Aspinall. UFC CEO Dana White commended Gane’s resilience and revealed that a rematch could deliver closer odds and renewed championship intrigue.

Tom Aspinall faces growing criticism from UFC superstars

After getting bloodied by Ciryl Gane, many fans accused Tom Aspinall of giving up and using the eye poke excuse. An old interview featuring Jon Jones surfaced online, where the former champion criticized Aspinall’s inability to fight through adversity. The clip quickly reignited debates across social media platforms, dividing fans about whether Aspinall genuinely suffered or simply looked for an exit.

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

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen went viral for harshly criticizing the British champion, claiming he quit rather than showing toughness. Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka also weighed in, stating he would have continued fighting differently and chosen another response in Aspinall’s place.

I really don’t know how much it was in the last week title fight, but for me it’s essential to win.

Jiri Prochazka via Instagram 

Earlier this year at UFC 311, Prochazka suffered a severe eye poke against Jamahal Hill but continued fighting courageously afterward. This comparison has intensified criticism of Aspinall, with many questioning his resilience, determination, and overall mental strength as a champion. However, the amount of damage in each incident is different.

Following the incident, the champion visited the hospital and revealed that his vision remains partially impaired despite receiving medical treatment. While many fans criticized him, some experts defended Aspinall’s choice, emphasizing the danger of continuing with a compromised eye.

Discussions have reignited around preventing eye pokes in UFC, with experts urging stronger regulations and penalties for repeated offenders. Aspinall’s father, Andy, advised the UFC to closely monitor fighters who poke opponents’ eyes and issue strict warnings.

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