Ciryl Gane Criticized Tom Aspinall After Title Vacancy
Ciryl Gane called Tom Aspinall mentally fragile following his decision to vacate the UFC heavyweight title.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Ciryl Gane has criticized Tom Aspinall regarding his reaction to an eye poke that occurred during their UFC 321 match. Aspinall recently vacated the UFC heavyweight title after sustaining cumulative eye injuries, leading to Gane's elevation to undisputed champion.
Why it matters
The criticism highlights tensions in the heavyweight division after Aspinall was forced to step away from competition due to severe eye damage. His departure has significantly altered the championship landscape for the promotion.
The UFC 321 match was ruled a no contest after 4 minutes and 35 seconds of action due to an accidental eye poke. Aspinall remains sidelined following multiple surgeries for eye injuries.
The players
Ciryl Gane
He is a professional mixed martial artist who has been elevated to the status of undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.
Tom Aspinall
He is a professional mixed martial artist who vacated the UFC heavyweight title following multiple surgeries to address eye injuries.
Josh Hokit
He is a professional mixed martial artist scheduled to face Ciryl Gane in an upcoming bout at Madison Square Garden.
The details
The UFC 321 main event ended abruptly after Gane caught Aspinall in both eyes with an open hand. Aspinall attempted to return to training, but further damage to his eyes forced him to vacate the championship belt in September 2026.
Timeline
UFC 321 occurred in Abu Dhabi.
Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title in September 2026.
Aspinall is not expected to return to fighting before early 2027.
Ciryl Gane is scheduled to fight Josh Hokit at UFC 334.
Season Trajectory
The vacancy of the heavyweight title reshapes the division's competitive hierarchy and playoff-style title pursuit. Gane's upcoming bout at Madison Square Garden now serves as a pivotal moment in the division's post-vacancy era.
The title vacancy creates a new path for contenders to challenge for the undisputed belt beginning with the UFC 334 event at Madison Square Garden. Fantasy participants should note that Aspinall will remain off active rosters until at least early 2027.
The takeaway
The heavyweight division faces a period of transition as top fighters navigate the fallout of title vacancies and long-term injury recoveries. Fans should track upcoming major events at Madison Square Garden to see how the title landscape settles in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the heavyweight division, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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