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Dana White’s Quip on Tom Aspinall’s Eye Draws Pushback as Heavyweight’s Return Stays Uncertain

White’s remark at UFC 324 sparked criticism over tone given the champion’s unresolved, serious eye injuries.

Overview

  • At the UFC 324 post-fight press conference, Dana White deflected questions on Tom Aspinall’s status, joked that “by surgery I mean injections,” and told reporters to seek updates directly from the fighter.
  • Tom Aspinall posted a video reacting to the clip, saying he was “catching strays” while watching the event at home and offering no further comment on his recovery timeline.
  • Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling publicly urged White to show grace toward injured athletes, defending Aspinall in a social media post.
  • Aspinall sustained bilateral eye trauma from accidental pokes by Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, underwent a first procedure in December with a second planned for mid-January, and reports describe ongoing double vision and reduced visual function.
  • The UFC has no timetable for Aspinall’s return, leaving a Gane rematch and the heavyweight title picture unresolved as coverage notes lingering strain between the champion and White.