Tom Aspinall’s UFC heavyweight title fight against Cyril Gana has ended in a “no contest” after the Englishman injured his eye in the first round.
Aspinall was expected to face a tough UFC title defense against the Frenchman, but the fight was soon thrown into doubt after the champion started bleeding just a minute into the Abu Dhabi contest.
The Gane appeared to catch Aspinall’s right eye with his fingers after a powerful blow, and during the five-minute time-out the Salford fighter was seen telling the cageside doctor that he ‘can’t see’.
The doctor reiterated that there were “no concerns” about Aspinall’s eyeball, but after four of the five allotted time-outs had expired, the referee had no choice but to call it a no-contest and Aspinall was unable to continue.
The result means Aspinall retains his belt, with a rematch expected immediately, but boos were heard from the crowd after the results were announced.
Aspinall: The fight has just begun
Aspinall made an exception in his circumstances and the reaction of the fans to his canceled fight.
Speaking further TNT Sportshe said:
“Guys, I just got hit in the eyeball. I don’t know why they’re booing me – I can’t see!”
“The fight has just begun.”
Gane: I feel sorry for Aspinall
Contender Ghana was liked by both the fans and the opponent. Speaking further TNT Sports, he said
“At first I’m sorry. I’m sorry for that. For the crowd, for everyone, for Tom Aspinall, for myself. We put a lot of effort into the fight. Disappointed, but this is sport.
“We prepared this fight very well. I don’t know what will happen in the future. We don’t know yet, but we will see.”