Overview
- The title fight with Ciryl Gane was ruled a no-contest at 4:35 of Round 1 after a double eye poke left the champion unable to continue.
- Event doctors in Abu Dhabi initially reported no dangerous findings and cleared travel, but in the UK his father says the right eye has no vision and the left is significantly impaired.
- UFC chief Dana White wants an immediate rematch, yet scheduling depends on ophthalmology clearance and any regulatory medical suspension.
- Figures including Michael Bisping, Sean O’Malley and Matt Brown defended Aspinall’s decision to stop, while Daniel Cormier argued that saying “I can’t see” effectively ends a bout.
- Aspinall’s team is urging stronger rules or equipment changes to reduce eye pokes, and some analysis notes a hit to his public standing and betting lines following the inconclusive finish.