Heavyweight title bout ends abruptly in the first round as Tom Aspinall suffers double eye poke from Ciryl Gane; Mackenzie Dern captures strawweight gold in co-main event.
Aspinall Retains UFC Heavyweight Title After Unfortunate Eye Poke
The highly anticipated UFC 321 heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane came to a shocking halt in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night, as the bout was ruled a no contest after an accidental double eye poke left the champion unable to continue.
The clash, held at the Etihad Arena, marked Aspinall’s first title defense since claiming the undisputed heavyweight championship. However, fans were left disappointed when the main event ended just 4:35 into the first round following the accidental foul.
Fight Stopped After Accidental Double Eye Poke
Both heavyweights came out aggressively, trading powerful strikes and testing each other’s movement early. Aspinall, known for his explosive combinations and agility, looked sharp from the opening bell, while Gane established control in the center of the cage with his precise jab and fluid footwork.
The tide began to shift when Gane’s jab caused a cut near Aspinall’s right eye. Moments later, a second attempt to fend off the champion resulted in an accidental double eye poke — one in each eye — forcing referee Herb Dean to call for an immediate timeout.
Despite receiving medical attention during the five-minute recovery window, Aspinall was unable to regain full vision in his right eye. At 4:09 into the stoppage, officials declared the fight a no contest, preserving Aspinall’s title status but leaving fans and fighters equally frustrated.
Fighters React: Frustration and Apology in the Octagon
The British champion, visibly emotional, voiced his disappointment in the cage:
“What am I supposed to do about it? I can’t see,” said Aspinall. “The fight was just getting going — this is [expletive].”
Meanwhile, a remorseful Gane, who immediately realized the severity of the foul, dropped to his knees and apologized:
“I’m very sorry about that. It was completely unintentional,” he said.
The anticlimactic end to the main event drew boos from the sold-out Abu Dhabi crowd, many of whom had anticipated a striking masterclass between two of the UFC’s most technically gifted heavyweights.
Fight Recap: Promising Start Cut Short
Before the stoppage, both fighters displayed glimpses of their elite skill sets. Gane used his crisp jab and movement to keep distance, while Aspinall looked to close the range with heavy combinations and a brief takedown attempt.
Gane successfully defended the takedown midway through the round and began landing low kicks and straight punches. Aspinall attempted to pressure forward but was caught by Gane’s jab — the sequence that led to the unfortunate eye poke moments later.
Though only a round in, analysts praised both fighters for their tactical awareness and composure. The no-contest ruling, however, leaves the heavyweight division with unresolved questions and strong calls for an immediate rematch.
Mackenzie Dern Wins Strawweight Title in Emotional Co-Main Event
In the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern (16-5-0) captured the vacant UFC Strawweight Championship after defeating Virna Jandiroba (22-4-0) via unanimous decision in a hard-fought five-round battle.
Both fighters showcased resilience, with Dern’s powerful left hand doing the most damage throughout the contest. Jandiroba countered with grappling exchanges and leg kicks, but Dern’s superior striking volume and cage control earned her the judges’ nod.
The Brazilian-American broke down in tears upon hearing the result, dedicating her victory to her daughter:
“It feels amazing. This is for Moa,” said Dern, as her six-year-old daughter joined her in the Octagon to celebrate.
Other UFC 321 Highlights
- Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1-0) extended his winning streak with a unanimous decision victory over Mario Bautista (16-3-0) in a high-paced bantamweight showdown.
- Alexander Volkov (39-11-0) edged out Jailton Almeida (22-4-0) via split decision, solidifying his position among the top heavyweight contenders.
- In the light heavyweight division, Azamat Murzakanov (16-0-0) continued his unbeaten run with a first-round knockout of Aleksandar Rakic (14-6-0), extending his streak to six consecutive wins — the second-longest active streak in the division.
Aspinall vs Gane Rematch Looms Large
While the UFC 321 main event ended in disappointment, both Aspinall and Gane expressed interest in a rematch to settle unfinished business. UFC President Dana White hinted that the promotion will “run it back soon,” depending on medical clearance for both fighters.
Fans are already calling for a UFC London or UFC Paris rematch, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes of 2026.
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