Overview
- Referee Jason Herzog stopped the bout at 4:35 of Round 1 in Abu Dhabi after Ciryl Gane’s fingers caught both of Tom Aspinall’s eyes and cageside doctors assessed the damage.
- Aspinall told officials he could not see, the result was ruled an unintentional-foul no-contest, and he retained the undisputed heavyweight title.
- UFC CEO Dana White said the promotion will pursue a rematch as soon as Aspinall is fit, with Daniel Cormier publicly urging a quick turnaround and pointing to December as a possibility.
- Aspinall was transported to a local hospital for checks; Gane apologized to the champion and fans, and the crowd booed the abrupt ending after a competitive start.
- The inconclusive finish prolongs uncertainty at heavyweight following Jon Jones’ retirement and increases pressure on the UFC to restore order with a prompt redo.