Tom Aspinall's Recovery Journey: Eye Surgeries Following UFC 321 Incident

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is undergoing multiple eye surgeries due to injuries sustained during his title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October. The bout, held in Abu Dhabi, ended in a no-contest after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes, rendering him unable to continue. Aspinall has since reported ongoing issues, including double vision and limited eye movement, attributed to bilateral traumatic Brown's syndrome.

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Aspinall, 32, has confirmed that he will complete surgeries on both eyes by mid-January. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he stated, “By the time this [statement] goes out, I'll probably have surgery on one eye already. Next surgery is coming mid-January. So, we're working towards getting back. That's the plan.” The first surgery has already taken place, with the second scheduled for the upcoming month.

Tom Aspinall Has Had Surgery On One Eye With Other To Come In January

Despite the setbacks, Aspinall remains focused on returning to the octagon, with a rematch against Ciryl Gane as his primary goal. He has expressed a strong desire for redemption, stating, “That's the plan!” Gane, for his part, has been training and has hinted at his own readiness for a future bout, although no date has been confirmed.

‘That’s the plan’ – Tom Aspinall delivers new injury update as he undergoes surgery after UFC eye poke

UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that the promotion is interested in rebooking the heavyweight matchup between Aspinall and Gane once Aspinall is medically cleared to return to training. Aspinall has also faced criticism regarding the incident, with some questioning his reaction and the circumstances surrounding the fight. Nonetheless, he has maintained that Gane's actions were intentional, labeling him a "cheat" in social media comments.

‘That’s the plan’ – Tom Aspinall delivers new injury update as he undergoes surgery after UFC eye pokeESPNUFC Champion Tom Aspinall Advances with Double Eye SurgeryUFC champion Tom Aspinall reveals he is set for double eye surgeryTom Aspinall confirms plan for double eye surgeryTom Aspinall undergoing two eye surgeries to fix damage from UFC 321 eye pokes

The aftermath of the UFC 321 incident has not been without controversy. Some observers have criticized Aspinall for his claims against Gane, suggesting that the narrative of intentional foul play may detract from the sport's integrity. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the long-term effects of his injuries, with fans and analysts alike hoping for a swift and complete recovery.

Tom Aspinall confirms plan for double eye surgery

As Aspinall prepares for his surgeries, the UFC heavyweight division awaits updates on his recovery and potential return. The anticipated rematch with Gane is expected to generate significant interest, particularly given the tensions that have arisen from their first encounter. Aspinall's commitment to returning at full strength remains a focal point for both him and his supporters.

UFC Champion Tom Aspinall Advances with Double Eye Surgery

• “By the time this [statement] goes out, I'll probably have surgery on one eye already,” — Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion

ESPN

• “That's the plan!” — Tom Aspinall, on his future fight plans against Ciryl Gane.

‘That’s the plan’ – Tom Aspinall delivers new injury update as he undergoes surgery after UFC eye poke