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Belal Muhammad Backs Tom Aspinall After Eye-Poke No-Contest as Rematch Targeted

Reports indicate Aspinall continues to deal with vision problems, with an early 2026 return discussed pending medical clearance.

Overview

  • Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 was ruled a no contest after two accidental eye pokes left him unable to continue.
  • Belal Muhammad urged Aspinall to ignore backlash and “embrace the boos,” citing his own experience with an eye poke against Leon Edwards.
  • Aspinall posted an eye-patch photo joking about Halloween, while his father said doctors found severe vision impairment in the right eye and reduced sight in the left.
  • UFC CEO Dana White said the bout will be rebooked once Aspinall is medically cleared, leaving the heavyweight title picture unresolved in the interim.
  • Coverage reports no major structural damage but ongoing vision issues, with expectations of a return in early 2026 contingent on further testing and commission approval.