Tom Aspinall reflects on fan backlash to eye poke injuries, says eye surgery worse than vasectomy

Key Takeaways:

• Tom Aspinall’s UFC 321 bout against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest due to eye pokes
• He underwent multiple eye surgeries, describing the pain as worse than a vasectomy
• He has not competed since October following these injuries
• The champion faced unexpected criticism from some fans
• Aspinall shared his ordeal on Great Company With […] (source truncated)

The Injury and No-Contest at UFC 321

Tom Aspinall’s meeting with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October resulted in a sudden and dramatic conclusion. Multiple eye pokes from Gane forced an early halt to the bout, ending it in a no-contest. This abrupt stop meant Aspinall, labeled as the UFC heavyweight champion in the story, left the Octagon sooner than anyone expected.

Surgeries and Unprecedented Pain

Aspinall subsequently endured several surgeries to address the damage to his eye—procedures he describes as “worse than any surgery he’s ever had,” noting they even surpassed the discomfort of his vasectomy. The pain and uncertainty tied to his eye injuries have kept him completely out of competition since October. Insights into the extent of his ordeal remain limited, but Aspinall’s testimony about the procedures underscores their severity.

Fan Reaction and Future Outlook

In spite of his visible distress, Aspinall has faced criticism from a segment of fans who question the legitimacy or severity of his injuries. He acknowledged the backlash in a recent appearance on “Great Company With […]” but stood by his decision to prioritize his health. While the precise timeline for his return remains unknown, Aspinall is focused on healing and re-entering the Octagon on sturdier footing once his medical team clears him to compete.