Tom Aspinall Reveals Dark Truth About Fight Business Battling Eye Poke Aftermath

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall goes on an unfiltered rant about how the sport of MMA has become more business oriented.

Tom Aspinall Reveals Dark Truth About Fight Business Battling Eye Poke Aftermath

Tom Aspinall goes off on the UFC (via X)

In Short
  • Tom Aspinall faced scrutiny after an eye poke incident during UFC 321, impacting his connection to MMA.
  • He expressed frustration with the fight business, feeling fighters are treated as replaceable commodities.
  • Aspinall has adopted a more assertive persona, publicly criticizing Ciryl Gane and responding to Dana White's comments.

Tom Aspinall was one of the most exciting heavyweights, known for his knockout potential every time he entered the octagon. His personality made him a fan favorite and a standout in the division. However, since the eye poke stoppage at UFC 321, he has faced intense scrutiny. The British heavyweight champion recently revealed how the scrutiny has affected his connection to the sport and his approach to MMA.

The eye poke occurred during the opening round of Aspinall’s first title defense (UFC 321) against Ciryl Gane, when he was struck accidentally in the eye while engaging in a clinch. The impact immediately impaired his vision, leaving him unable to continue safely. Officials halted the fight and ruled it a no-contest, and Aspinall was then placed under strict medical supervision to assess the extent of the injury.

While Aspinall received support from some peers, several prominent figures, including Chael Sonnen and Anthony Smith, criticized him for the stoppage. Speculation emerged that the British heavyweight could be stripped of his title due to inactivity. The controversy highlighted the harsher, business-driven side of MMA. Recently, Aspinall addressed the situation, shedding light on the challenges behind the sport.

I’ll never stop loving [MMA], but I just hate the business. I think that fighters are completely replaceable and the business will make you feel like that any chance it gets. Even if you get hit with an illegal move, which could affect the rest of your life, they don’t really give a s**t. And no one else does either.

Tom Aspinall via Uncrowned Combat

Before the fight, Aspinall was one of the most respectful UFC fighters, rarely using curse words or showing aggression outside the octagon. After the scrutiny, he announced he would no longer be “Mr. Nice Guy” and is now showing a tougher, more outspoken side of his persona to the MMA community, highlighting both his frustration and determination to take control of his career and narrative.

Aspinall’s new side became evident in his callout of Ciryl Gane, criticizing the Frenchman for allegedly poking him in the eye with “disgusting fingernails.” The callout followed Gane’s update that there is still no confirmed date for Aspinall’s next fight, as he continues training and recovering. This public confrontation highlighted the heavyweight champion’s shift toward a more assertive and outspoken approach.

Tom Aspinall had largely stayed out of the public eye for the past month, but speculation about his return grew after he shared a photo entering surgery for his eye injury. He also posted an image showing his blood‑red eyes following the procedure. It remains unclear how the UFC will respond to these updates about their heavyweight champion. His next steps and potential return continue to draw attention.

Tom Aspinall reacts to Dana White’s recent comments about him

UFC CEO Dana White has not publicly reacted much to Tom Aspinall’s injury and absence since the eye poke incident. White suggested Aspinall was being bloodied by Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, which contributed to the stoppage, and that the eye poke acted as a convenient excuse. This perspective has sparked discussion about the fighter’s commitment and the UFC’s handling of the situation.

Tom Aspinall gives an update
Tom Aspinall gives an update (via MMA Fighting)

Many MMA fans criticized White for his comments and questioned his relationship with Aspinall. At the UFC 324 presser, he was asked about Aspinall’s current status but avoided the question in a dismissive manner, hinting at subtle scrutiny toward the British heavyweight. White’s response drew attention for its tone and lack of clarity. This led the British heavyweight to later have a humorous reaction to the video.

About me? I didn’t even fight last night— jeez, catching strays in my own living room on a Sunday morning.

Tom Aspinall via YouTube

Many MMA veterans, including Michael Bisping and Henry Cejudo, have warned Tom Aspinall against clashing publicly with Dana White. They believe that challenging the UFC boss could negatively impact his career when he eventually returns to competition. Their advice highlights the delicate balance fighters must maintain with the organization.

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