Eye Injury Dilemma Surrounding UFC Champion Tom Aspinall

Tom Aspinall's Ongoing Vision Struggles

Tom Aspinall, the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, finds himself grappling with the aftermath of a serious eye injury sustained during his title defense at UFC 321. Three days after the event, Aspinall still struggles to regain full vision in his right eye, according to his father, Andy Aspinall. The injury occurred when Cyril Gane, Aspinall's opponent, accidentally poked both of his eyes while attempting a punch during the first round of their main event in Abu Dhabi.

The fight was ultimately declared a no contest after Aspinall was unable to continue, resulting in the retention of his title. Following the match, Aspinall was transported to a hospital and later flew back to England, where he underwent an examination by an eye specialist in Manchester on Monday.

Medical Updates and Concerns

While Aspinall's left eye has shown some improvement, his right eye remains completely non-functional. Andy Aspinall shared his son's condition in a video posted to his YouTube channel, stating that Aspinall described his right eye as "just grey" and his left eye as "about 50%." Additional tests, including a CT scan, are scheduled for this week to assess the condition of his bones and determine the extent of the damage.

The severity of the injury has raised concerns about the long-term effects on Aspinall's vision. Aspinall's father expressed his worries, stating that this incident demonstrates the need for changes in the sport to prevent such occurrences. Eye pokes, he argued, happen frequently in MMA and require urgent attention to ensure the safety of fighters.

UFC's Response and Glove Controversy

The UFC has been proactive in addressing eye pokes and other injuries in the sport. In June 2024, redesigned gloves were introduced in an attempt to reduce eye pokes, cuts, and hand injuries. However, the promotion reverted to the original glove design in November, which had remained unchanged since becoming mandatory in 1997.

When questioned about the incident at the post-fight news conference, UFC president Dana White acknowledged that eye pokes are inevitable despite any changes to the gloves. He stated that "no matter what you do with the glove, they're going to happen."

Conclusion

Aspinall's eye injury and the subsequent debate surrounding eye pokes in MMA highlight the ongoing challenges faced by fighters and the need for continued efforts to enhance safety measures. While Aspinall's future remains uncertain, his resilience and determination to overcome this setback will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and the sports community alike.