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Herb Dean Says Eye‑Poke Rule Meeting Planned as Aspinall’s Vision Woes Persist

The UFC intends to rebook Aspinall vs. Gane once doctors clear the champion.

Overview

  • UFC 321’s heavyweight title fight was ruled a no contest after Ciryl Gane accidentally poked Tom Aspinall in both eyes early in Round 1.
  • Andy Aspinall said his son currently has no vision in his right eye and about 50 percent in his left, with continued hospital visits after returning to the U.K.
  • Tom Aspinall has addressed the situation with lighthearted Halloween posts, including an eye‑patch photo, while continuing medical follow‑ups.
  • Veteran referee Herb Dean said an official meeting is scheduled to consider changes to how eye pokes are handled, criticizing the ‘intentional vs. unintentional’ standard.
  • Reactions remain divided, with Belal Muhammad urging Aspinall to ignore critics, Valter Walker faulting the stoppage, and Henry Cejudo advocating automatic penalties for pokes.