Joe Rogan Drops Scary Prediction for UFC’s Most-Talented Heavyweight Tom Aspinall

UFC commentator Joe Rogan weighs in on heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's future after gruesome eye injury.

Joe Rogan Drops Scary Prediction for UFC’s Most-Talented Heavyweight Tom Aspinall

Joe Rogan talks about Tom Aspinall's future (via The Verge, Cleveland)

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UFC 321 featured one of the most vicious eye-poke sequences in UFC history, halting Tom Aspinall’s first undisputed heavyweight title defense. Aspinall faced a double eye poke from Ciryl Gane early in round one and was unable to continue. The bout marked Aspinall’s first defense after being promoted from interim status. Joe Rogan later weighed in on what the injury could mean for the British champion’s future.

The MMA community was divided following the no-contest ruling. Veterans Chael Sonnen and Anthony Smith questioned Aspinall’s decision to stop, suggesting he could have continued. Others criticized Gane, referencing his past involvement in foul-related incidents. The mixed response intensified debate around accountability and officiating in high-stakes title fights.

Medical evaluations after the bout revealed serious trauma to both of Aspinall’s eyes. Doctors reported persistent double vision, limited eye movement, and reduced visual clarity. Specialists diagnosed bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome, a rare condition affecting eye mobility. The severity of the diagnosis formed the basis of Rogan’s concern regarding Aspinall’s long-term viability.

I mean, Tom Aspinall still can’t see. He’s got a messed-up right eyeball still. It’s really bad. The reality is, he might not ever fight again. Who knows. If he has surgery on his eye and it doesn’t go well, and he can’t see out of the eye. Apparently, he’s still messed up in his right eye. There’s some tendon damage or something. Eyes are so tricky. 

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

The sustained criticism appeared to alter Aspinall’s public demeanor in the weeks that followed UFC 321. Previously known for a calm and measured approach, the heavyweight champion became noticeably more confrontational. He directly called out Gane and pushed for a rematch, using sharper language than usual. The shift reflected frustration over the fight’s outcome and the narrative surrounding the stoppage.

Before UFC 321, Aspinall was regarded as one of the UFC’s most popular and exciting heavyweights. Every victory of his UFC career had ended by finish, all before the third round. Knockout wins over elite contenders such as Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes highlighted his speed, power, and technical execution. That sustained dominance positioned him as a potential long-term anchor for the UFC division.

The broader stakes now center on Aspinall’s recovery and the uncertainty surrounding his future as champion. Joe Rogan’s comments emphasized the seriousness of eye injuries in combat sports, where vision is essential for safety. With no confirmed timetable for return, the heavyweight title picture remains unresolved. Tom Aspinall’s situation underscores how quickly championship trajectories can change.

Joe Rogan talks about the state of current heavyweight MMA fighters

The UFC heavyweight division has remained in flux over the past few years due to multiple destabilizing factors. That uncertainty began when Francis Ngannou vacated the title to pursue free agency and later signed with the PFL.

Jon Jones’ long title reign was marked by inactivity, further slowing divisional movement and merit-based competitive matchups. The recent eye-poke controversy involving Tom Aspinall only prolonged the lack of clarity at the top.

Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan (via Variety)

Joe Rogan recently addressed the state of the division, suggesting that only a handful of heavyweights currently meet championship-level standards. He identified Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane as active elite contenders, while noting Jon Jones’ status depends on whether he competes again. Rogan also included Ngannou as a top-tier talent if a UFC return were to occur.

The heavyweight division is so shallow right now. You got Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones if he chooses to fight again, Francis Ngannou if the UFC brings him back. Other than that, no one compelling, like a championship-caliber fighter. There’s basically four or five guys on earth that are in this championship-caliber class.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Rogan’s perspective underscores the challenges facing the UFC’s marquee weight class. The heavyweight division was once among the sport’s most entertaining, driven by knockouts and the sheer size of its athletes. Legends such as Randy Couture, Cain Velasquez, and Alistair Overeem helped define that era. Rogan’s comments reflect how thin margins now shape a division once built on depth and spectacle.

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