Tom Aspinall Faces Backlash After UFC 321 No-Contest
Tom Aspinall is likely inundated with messages following his inability to proceed in the UFC 321 main event due to an eye poke from Ciryl Gane, which led to the match being declared a no-contest.
Unexpected End to Heavyweight Title Fight
The disappointing finish to the heavyweight championship bout came when Aspinall was poked in the eye, which he repeatedly claimed impaired his vision. Referee Jason Herzog halted the fight, but former UFC contender Chael Sonnen expressed skepticism regarding Aspinall’s choice at that critical moment.
Sonnen Questions Aspinall’s Decision
“Though eye pokes are illegal, it’s common to continue fighting with one eye,” Sonnen commented during the UFC 321 post-fight analysis. “Guys like Anthony [Smith] and I have had to deal with this before, and as the heavyweight champion, you may have to fight with compromised vision.”
Anthony Smith Shares Similar Thoughts
Anthony Smith, who was discussing the fight alongside Sonnen, echoed these sentiments. Having experienced a serious eye poke in his fight against Ryan Spann in 2023, Smith managed to persevere despite his impaired vision. He emphasized how important it is to communicate effectively with medical personnel to keep the fight going.
Speculation on Aspinall’s Performance
Sonnen speculated that Aspinall might have faced a tougher challenge than he anticipated as he entered the octagon as a heavy favorite. Gane certainly tested him during the first round, utilizing a sharp jab that injured Aspinall’s nose.
Concerns Over Aspinall’s Readiness
Sonnen remarked that the fight appeared to be tougher than Aspinall expected, raising questions about how he would respond when challenged. Despite Aspinall’s powerful punches, which had previously finished six opponents quickly, Sonnen wondered if he utilized his break effectively to regain composure.
Fallout and Future Criticism
After the fight, Smith indicated that Aspinall should prepare for criticism, noting the narrative would likely suggest that Aspinall sought a way out of a challenging situation. “While I wouldn’t say that, it’s the storyline people will attach to,” Smith remarked.
