UFC 321 Main Event Ends No-Contest After Double Eye Poke Injuries

The UFC 321 heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended controversially when Aspinall was double eye-poked by Gane and could not continue, resulting in a no-contest. Aspinall has faced criticism from some fans and fighters, including former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling, who questioned the severity of Aspinall's injury and suggested he might have exaggerated. However, Aspinall's cornerman James Webb defended him, emphasizing Aspinall's well-being over winning and condemning the criticism as unfair. Veteran UFC fighter Jim Miller highlighted the ongoing issue of eye pokes in MMA, calling for stricter penalties to prevent intentional fouls and protect fighters' long-term health. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed plans to rebook the rematch once Aspinall's eye fully heals, underscoring the importance of fighter safety amid the controversy. Overall, the incident has sparked a wider debate on fouls, fighter safety, and the culture surrounding penalties in mixed martial arts.