Tom Aspinall has revealed he will require further tests on his eye after being poked by Ciryl Gane during their UFC 321 heavyweight title fight in Abu Dhabi. The bout was stopped prematurely when Aspinall was poked in both eyes, leaving him unable to see out of his right eye. He was taken to hospital but has been cleared to return to the UK for additional examinations.
Speaking about the injury, Aspinall said: "It was way scarier than what I did to my knee. Because with my knee, I knew it was going to be alright. I still don't know how this is going to be. We're just waiting for further results. We've got to do more tests in the UK." He added that he is unsure when he will be able to provide an update on his condition.
Aspinall's father and trainer, Andy, expressed his concern, stating: "It's a horrendous thing to think as a parent. I know what it's like these days with people saying what they want. But when it's your son, and they could lose an eye, and their health, and they've got children to look after. Something needs doing about it."
UFC president Dana White confirmed that a rematch between Aspinall and Gane is likely once Aspinall recovers. "It's total pain in the arse but yes," White said. "They're both in shape, other than whatever's wrong with his eye. Both guys are not injured. [We will do it] as soon as possible." White noted that the fight's controversial ending may generate more interest in a rematch.
