Tom Aspinall Vows to “Beat the Living Daylights Out of” Ciryl Gane Upon His Return to the UFC
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been sidelined since his bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, where he was poked in the eye by Gane in Round 1, resulting in a no-contest due to an accidental foul. Aspinall has since undergone surgery on one eye and is scheduled for another surgery in mid-January 2026. In a recent interview with One on One MMA, Aspinall expressed his plans to return to the octagon and exact revenge on Gane.
Aspinall stated, “Obviously, the plan is to go back and beat the living daylights out of Ciryl Gane, but right now, the short-term plan is to get back to where I should be, to get back in the gym.” This statement comes after Aspinall’s previous comments criticizing UFC CEO Dana White for his remarks about Aspinall at the UFC 321 post-fight presser. The MMA community has had mixed reactions to Aspinall’s eye injury, with some sympathizing with his situation and others criticizing him for openly discussing the injury and taking subtle digs at Gane.
Aspinall Discusses the Backlash He Faced After the Eye Poke Incident
Aspinall also discussed the backlash he faced after the eye poke incident, stating that some people had turned against him. He said, “People turn on you really quick… even if they’re your friend. Maybe the fact is that they’re not your friend. They’ll come out and say certain stuff when you have a relationship with them.” This comment highlights the challenges Aspinall has faced in the aftermath of the incident, including criticism from fans and fellow fighters.
Aspinall’s comments have sparked a lively debate in the MMA community, with some defending his right to express his feelings and others criticizing him for being too vocal about the incident. Regardless of the backlash, Aspinall remains focused on his recovery and return to the octagon, where he hopes to settle the score with Gane. With his upcoming surgery and rehabilitation, Aspinall is taking the necessary steps to ensure his safe return to competition.
Aspinall’s Road to Recovery and Potential Rematch with Gane
Aspinall’s road to recovery will be a long and challenging one, but he remains determined to return to the top of the heavyweight division. A potential rematch with Gane is likely to be a highly anticipated bout, given the controversy surrounding their previous encounter. Aspinall’s vow to “beat the living daylights out of” Gane has set the stage for an intense and thrilling matchup, one that will surely be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
In the meantime, Aspinall will continue to focus on his rehabilitation and training, working to regain his strength and endurance. With his sights set on a return to the octagon, Aspinall is poised to make a significant impact in the heavyweight division, and his potential rematch with Gane is likely to be one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year. As the MMA community continues to speculate about Aspinall’s return, one thing is certain – his upcoming bout with Gane will be an event not to be missed.
