‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ Tom Aspinall Blames ‘Disgusting Fingernails’ of Ciryl Gane in Viral Trash-Talk

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall changes demeanor after UFC 321 opponent Ciryl Gane talks about his own future plans.

‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ Tom Aspinall Blames ‘Disgusting Fingernails’ of Ciryl Gane in Viral Trash-Talk

Tom Aspinall takes a shot at Ciryl Gane after UFC 321 controversy (via BBC, SPORTbible)

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UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has long been regarded as one of the most respectful fighters on the current roster. Throughout his rise, he avoided trash talk and consistently credited his opponents for their skills and achievements. That reputation began to shift after his underwhelming first official title defense. The change came after his bout with Ciryl Gane ended in controversy at UFC 321.

Aspinall’s most recent fight against Gane took place in late October at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. The matchup marked the Brits’ first defense of the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship. However, the contest was stopped early and ruled a no-contest after Aspinall could not continue due to a double eye poke suffered in the opening round. As a result, Aspinall retained the heavyweight title.

Gane addressed the uncertainty surrounding his next UFC appearance. He confirmed that no fight had been finalized and stated that he planned to remain inactive during the upcoming long holiday week. That update prompted a strong reaction from Aspinall, who publicly responded to the Frenchman’s comments. The exchange highlighted rising tension between the two heavyweights.

No **** there’s not a date yet. I’m not medically cleared to fight and about to have surgery thanks to your disgusting fingernails. I’ll be back to smash your face in soon you cheat.

Tom Aspinall via Instagram

Once widely viewed as one of the UFC’s most composed competitors, Aspinall recently acknowledged that fans would see a different side of him moving forward. This shift followed accusations from parts of the MMA community suggesting that he quit during the fight. Critics pointed to Gane matching Aspinall early in the first round before the stoppage, and the claims marked a notable change in public perception of the champion.

The British champion has also confirmed that surgery will be required as part of his recovery process. He previously released medical documentation detailing a rare ocular condition known as Brown syndrome. The condition restricts eye movement and has caused persistent blurred vision. These medical issues have prevented him from training and competing since UFC 321.

This change in demeanor stems from the significance of the Ciryl Gane fight in Tom Aspinall’s career. It was his first defense after being promoted from interim champion to undisputed titleholder. In a short span, Aspinall went from being one of the most appreciated figures in the division to one of its most scrutinized. The experience has reshaped both his outlook and public image moving forward.

Tom Aspinall goes off on Ciryl Gane’s history of foul-related incidents

Ciryl Gane’s UFC career has featured multiple instances in which referees intervened over rule infractions during his fights. In past bouts, officials have warned or paused action for fouls such as eye pokes, low blows, strikes to the back of the head, and head clashes. These moments were documented during live competition and addressed in real time by referees.

Tom Aspinall calls Ciryl Gane a cheater
Tom Aspinall calls Ciryl Gane a cheater (via X)

That history resurfaced during Gane’s matchup with Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. The fight ended in a no-contest after Aspinall was unable to continue due to severe eye injuries sustained in the opening round. In the aftermath, Aspinall publicly stated that the eye poke was intentional. The accusation brought renewed attention to the Frenchman’s prior foul-related incidents.

I thought it was an accidental eye poke. When I watch the fight back, that’s when I really got the gist of what’s going on.The guy was trying to poke my eyes out all the way through that round. Multiple exchanges, nearly every exchange I could have put him in danger, he had his fingers out, pointing towards my eyes. The guy was cheating from the first second. The way that he wanted to win that fight was to have me compromised by cheating.

Tom Aspinall via X

Despite the controversy surrounding UFC 321, Gane faced limited disciplinary consequences following the bout. The fight was ruled a no-contest, and the promotion issued no suspensions or formal penalties. This outcome came even as past infractions were revisited in public discussion. As a result, scrutiny surrounding Gane’s conduct has remained comparatively restrained.

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