• Tom Aspinall's title defense ends in no contest due to an eye poke by Ciryl Gane.
• Aspinall expressed frustration as he was unable to continue, stating, "I can’t see."
• The fight had significant potential, showcasing an energetic first round before the incident.
• Dana White suggested plans for a rematch once Aspinall recovers from the eye injury.
• Gane also expressed disappointment, emphasizing the accidental nature of the foul.

The highly anticipated UFC 321 heavyweight title fight ended in controversy as defending champion Tom Aspinall faced off against Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi. The bout, which lasted just four minutes and thirty-five seconds, was called a no contest after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes during a striking exchange. This decision meant Aspinall retained his title, but the outcome left both fighters and the audience frustrated, with longstanding implications for the heavyweight division, according to BBC and India Times.

Aspinall, visibly upset post-fight, expressed his disappointment with the crowd's reaction, stating, “Guys, I just got poked knuckle deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing? I can’t see,” showcasing his frustration as he could not continue after the injury. Following the accident, he was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Gane, who had started strong during the match, also expressed remorse, saying, “I’m very sorry for that... I feel sorry for Tom Aspinall and sorry for myself,” indicating the shared disappointment between the athletes, as reported by Al Jazeera and India Times.

UFC President Dana White later addressed the situation, describing the outcome as a "great showing, shitty ending" and made clear that while the fight was unfortunate, it was essential for Aspinall's health. He supported the decision to ensure Aspinall's safety, remarking, “I can’t make people fight... Only Tom knows what happened." He confirmed intentions for a rematch once Aspinall’s eye healed, a development many fans eagerly anticipate, according to India Times and BBC.