Tom Aspinall’s reign because the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion acquired off to a disastrous begin on Saturday, as his first title protection resulted in a no contest at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
Aspinall (15-3) was unable to proceed after title challenger Ciryl Gane (13-2) by chance poked his proper eye throughout an alternate at 4:35 of the opening spherical. Aspinall was supplied 5 minutes to get well, however referee Jason Herzog had no alternative however to cease the bout as soon as the defending champion stated he nonetheless could not see. It is the primary time a UFC title battle has resulted in a no contest because of an unintended foul.
“That is bulls—, the battle was simply getting going,” Aspinall stated. “Full bulls—. I am pissed off. I can hardly open my eye.”
Gane, a former interim champion, apologized for the attention poke, which really appeared to make contact with each of Aspinall’s eyes, regardless that it primarily impacted the suitable eye.
“I am very sorry for that — for the gang, for the followers, for everyone,” Gane stated. “I am sorry for myself. We put plenty of vitality into this battle. I am very upset, however that is the game.”
It is an terrible end result for all events, particularly contemplating among the circumstances which have surrounded the UFC’s heavyweight division lately. The division was primarily positioned on maintain earlier this 12 months, because the UFC tried to barter a title unification bout between undisputed champion Jon Jones and Aspinall, who had held the interim title since November 2023. Jones in the end determined to retire in June, ensuing within the unceremonious crowning of Aspinall because the official champ. Saturday was meant to be one thing of Aspinall’s public coronation because the title-holder.
The motion was aggressive and entertaining earlier than the foul, as every heavyweight had his share of success on the ft. Aspinall tried one takedown, which Gane shrugged off quite simply. Aspinall’s greatest benefit entering into gave the impression to be his potential to take Gane to the ground. On the ft, the 2 matched up very effectively.
Gane bloodied Aspinall’s nostril inside the opening minutes, as he went to work with a constant jab and leg kick. He caught Aspinall with a number of counter photographs on his method in, together with a brief proper hand simply moments earlier than the foul.
The one different title battle to end in a no-contest in UFC historical past occurred in 2017 between then-light heavyweight champion Jones and Daniel Cormier. Jones initially defeated Cormier by way of TKO at UFC 214 in Anaheim, however the California State Athletic Fee modified the end result to a no-contest after it was revealed Jones had failed a pre-fight drug take a look at.
Formally, Aspinall, of Salford, England, has solely fought thrice for the reason that begin of 2023, principally as a result of scenario with Jones. These three fights lasted a mixed 3:22, which means the UFC’s heavyweight champion has averaged roughly one minute of Octagon time per 12 months within the final three years.