Overview
- During a livestream with Adin Ross, Sean Strickland said “Aspinall sucks, dude” and claimed the heavyweight champion “took the way out” after the UFC 321 stoppage.
- Strickland cited his own bout with Nassourdine Imavov, saying he fought on despite significant eye damage, to question Aspinall’s decision to stop.
- Aspinall’s first title defense against Ciryl Gane in October was ruled a no‑contest after an unintentional double eye poke left him unable to continue.
- Aspinall has since disclosed a diagnosis of bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome and has said surgery is possible, with early post‑fight checks in Abu Dhabi reported as recommending further evaluation.
- No date is set for an Aspinall–Gane rematch, while Strickland is slated to headline UFC Houston on February 21 against Anthony Hernandez.