Tom Aspinall’s Dad Questions Dana White’s Company as ‘Unfixable’ Eye Poke Haunts Son

Tom Aspinall's father shows his frustration over UFC following his son's injury in the main event of UFC 321.

Tom Aspinall’s Dad Questions Dana White’s Company as ‘Unfixable’ Eye Poke Haunts Son

Tom Aspinall's father asks Dana White to have strict policies against eye pokes (via X)

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Tom Aspinall’s first-ever heavyweight title defense in the main event of UFC 321 did not unfold according to expectations. Despite a competitive start, the British fighter was accidentally eye-poked by Ciryl Gane during an early exchange.

The referee quickly intervened and stopped the action to assess the champion’s condition, as Aspinall appeared visibly in pain and disoriented. Although the medical team gave Tom Aspinall several minutes to recover, the heavyweight champion ultimately couldn’t regain proper vision.

It was Aspinall’s first fight in fifteen long months, and fans who expected an explosive performance instead expressed frustration by loudly booing. Aspinall’s father, Andy, expressed disappointment and urged UFC CEO Dana White to implement stricter measures against such dangerous incidents.

The UFC will have records of every fight. I just wonder if they have data on how many people poke others in the eyes or kick them in the groin and get away with it — and the fight carries on. I think it would be useful to analyze the people who do it…have them tidy up the game so they don’t go and kick people in between the legs, and they don’t keep constantly poking people.

Tom Aspinall’s Father Andy via YouTube 

Eye pokes have long been one of the most controversial issues in UFC history, often leading to unfortunate fight outcomes. One of the most infamous cases occurred when Daniel Cormier accidentally poked Stipe Miocic during their first fight, affecting Miocic’s vision significantly. Eventually, once Miocic resumed fighting, he lost the bout via KO against DC.

Eye pokes were common in their rematch and trilogy fight as well. In the end, Miocic poked DC hard in their trilogy bout that almost bought the championship bout to a halt. Another memorable incident happened when Belal Muhammad suffered an eye poke from Leon Edwards, forcing an early no-contest. 

Jon Jones gained notoriety for multiple accidental eye pokes during his career, often drawing criticism from his past opponents. After UFC 321, fans humorously speculated that a hypothetical Jones vs. Aspinall matchup could have ended similarly due to eye pokes. Regardless, the recent incident has reignited an ongoing debate within the MMA community about preventing eye pokes in future fights.

UFC lightweight star weighs in on Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane controversy 

Following the incident, Tom Aspinall was immediately taken to the hospital, where he revealed feeling of fingers deep inside his eyes. The heavyweight remained in constant pain as doctors examined him, confirming no severe damage but advising rest and proper recovery.

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

Medical professionals supported Aspinall’s decision to stop the fight, emphasizing that continuing could have worsened the already compromised vision significantly. However, despite the medical reasoning, analysts like Chael Sonnen have heavily criticized Aspinall for allegedly quitting instead of continuing with one eye. Recently, UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett also talked about the situation and shared his opinion. 

Fingers went in both eyes, it’s not even like he just poked them in one lad. Just pushed both his fingers into his eyes. I can’t see as he just said. Lad if this does end like this, this’ll be one of the worst pay-per-views in UFC’s history. One of the biggest disappointments ever when it comes to a card. Yeah, that’s nasty the way both them fingers going there.

Paddy Pimblett via his YouTube 

Pimblett referenced Michael Bisping’s legendary toughness, recalling how the former champion fought for years with only one functional eye. He further explained that Tom Aspinall, unlike Bisping, shouldn’t jeopardize his long-term health or championship reign by continuing while injured. Interestingly, Bisping himself supported Aspinall’s decision, commending his awareness and prioritizing safety over pride.

Veterans like Jim Miller urged the UFC to impose fines on repeat offenders responsible for dangerous eye pokes that compromise fairness. Meanwhile, Demetrious Johnson argued that open fingers while defending strikes were instinctive, making accidental eye pokes practically unavoidable in MMA.

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