Tom Aspinall exposes 'big cheater' Ciryl Gane and Dana White, discusses possible eye surgery

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is still struggling with eye damage sustained during his controversial no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

More than five weeks after the fight, Aspinall revealed he has been "in and out of the hospital" and that "surgery on the eyes" is being considered. He also shared detailed medical notes describing his condition, but no timeline has been given for his return to training.

The post-fight incident at UFC 321 has sparked significant debate over Gane's actions and Aspinall's inability to continue the bout. According to Aspinall's medical documentation, he was diagnosed with "significant bilateral ocular trauma requiring ongoing consultant-led management."

The notes indicate that Aspinall suffers from "significant traumatic bilateral Brown's syndrome, with ongoing double vision, restricted eye movement, reduced visual function, and substantial visual field loss." His symptoms remained unresolved as of late November 2025.

Brown syndrome affects the muscle or tendon that controls eye movement, making it difficult to move the eye in all directions. Those with this condition often cannot move their eye fully upward and inward, resulting in a feeling that the eye is "stuck."

In a video update on his YouTube channel, Aspinall said both eyes continue to be affected, with the right eye experiencing the most severe damage. He also criticized Gane, labeling him a "big cheater" for allegedly targeting his eyes throughout their one-round fight. Various footage shows Gane repeatedly leading with outstretched fingers, appearing to aim at Aspinalls eyes.

"When I rewatched the fight, I realized he was intentionally trying to poke my eyes throughout the round," Aspinall stated. "Every exchange where I could threaten him, his fingers were pointed at my eyes. He was cheating from the first second."

Aspinall also referenced others who have criticized Ganes tactics, including Jon Jones, noting a history of alleged dirty fighting.

When asked about UFC President Dana Whites comments that Aspinall chose not to continue, Aspinall responded bluntly, emphasizing that the fault lies with Ganes actions and not himself.

Following the fight, Aspinall was taken to the hospital by medical staff after being deemed unable to continue. This bout marked his first since July 2024 and his first as undisputed champion, after holding an interim UFC heavyweight title since late 2023.

White has indicated a rematch with Gane is likely in the future, but given Aspinalls current medical condition, that match may still be far off.

Author: Sophia Brooks