Ciryl Gane defended by UFC GOAT who says eye poke against Tom Aspinall came from ‘correct technique’

Ciryl Gane’s eye poke that ended his UFC 321 clash with Tom Aspinall in a no-contest will likely void many bets and trigger refunds; sportsbooks may open rematch markets with Aspinall slightly favoured, while method-of-victory and round props will be repriced — punters should wait for medical updates before wagering on a potential rematch.

UFC 321 ends in chaotic no-contest as Aspinall is poked in the eye

A highly anticipated heavyweight showdown in Abu Dhabi between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended abruptly when an eye poke late in round one left Aspinall unable to continue. The bout was declared a no-contest, leaving fans frustrated and the heavyweight picture unsettled.

What happened in the cage

Late in the opening round, a strike left Aspinall’s vision compromised after contact to the eye. Medical staff determined he could not continue, and the contest was officially ruled a no-contest. Aspinall exited the Octagon visibly angry and disappointed after months of buildup.

Key reactions from the MMA community

Several voices weighed in on the controversial finish. Former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson defended Gane, arguing the contact appeared accidental and a product of natural defensive hand positioning during exchanges. Johnson explained that instinctive hand placement when striking or blocking can lead to inadvertent eye contact.

Gane issues apology

Ciryl Gane apologized to Tom Aspinall and the fans following the stoppage. He acknowledged the frustration around the anticlimactic ending and expressed regret that the fight could not reach a decisive conclusion after both men invested heavily in preparation.

Title implications and betting fallout

The no-contest stalls any clear resolution to the heavyweight stakes and will affect betting markets immediately. Many sportsbooks will void affected bets and suspend markets until medical reports and any rematch announcements are confirmed. Expect rematch lines to open once details are set, with odds shifting as sportsbooks factor in injury status, ring rust, and public sentiment.

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What’s next

A rematch appears likely given the stakes and the manner the contest ended, but timelines will depend on medical evaluations and regulatory clearances. Fans and bettors should await official confirmations before placing wagers or speculating on future matchups.

Some have accused Ciryl Gane of a deliberate act at UFC 321. Saturday’s UFC 321 pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi was due to end with the...

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