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What Happened at UFC 321? The Eye Poke That Shook the Heavyweight Division

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few things ignite more debate than a fight ending in a no contest. At UFC 321, that’s exactly what happened — and it left fans, fighters, and analysts asking the same question: What now?

The co-main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane was supposed to be a high-stakes showdown for the UFC interim heavyweight title, a pivotal moment in the division’s ongoing evolution. Instead, it ended in controversy when a clear eye poke from Gane forced a doctor’s stoppage in the third round, leading to a no contest decision.

For Canadian MMA fans — and especially those tuning in via platforms like streameast, where live fight streams are a go-to for cord-cutters — the outcome was equal parts frustrating and confusing. But beyond the immediate disappointment lies a deeper story about fighter safety, officiating, and the future of a division in flux.

Let’s break down what went down, why it matters, and what could happen next.

What Actually Happened? A Timeline of the Controversial Finish

The fight itself started with promise. Aspinall, known for his explosive grappling and underrated striking, came out aggressive, pressing Gane — the former interim champion and a technical stand-up specialist — against the cage. Gane, using his footwork and distance control, managed to keep the early rounds competitive, though Aspinall landed the cleaner shots and scored a takedown in the second.

Then, in the third round, with both fighters visibly fatigued, a pivotal moment unfolded.

“Aspinall was clearly compromised,” reported Sportsnet.ca, citing the official doctor’s evaluation. “The eye was swollen shut, and the referee had no choice but to halt the contest.”

At the 2:47 mark of Round 3, Gane extended his arm during a clinch, and his thumb made direct contact with Aspinall’s right eye. Replays confirmed the foul — a clear accidental eye poke, not a malicious strike. But in MMA, intent doesn’t matter when it comes to fight-ending injuries.

The referee, Marc Goddard, immediately paused the bout and summoned the cage-side physician. After a brief examination, the doctor ruled Aspinall unable to continue. Under Unified Rules of MMA, if a fight is stopped due to an accidental foul before the end of the third round (and the fight hasn’t reached the championship rounds), the result is a no contest.

“It’s a brutal outcome,” said Yahoo Sports’ Spinning Back Clique LIVE panel. “Both men trained for months, and now we’re left with no winner — and no clear path forward.”

The official ruling was confirmed by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, which oversaw the event. No fines or suspensions were issued, as the foul was deemed unintentional.

The Fallout: Reactions from Fighters, Fans, and the UFC

The immediate aftermath was a mix of frustration, confusion, and calls for action.

Tom Aspinall: “I Was Winning — and I Was Ready to Win”

Aspinall, speaking post-fight, expressed his disappointment — but not at Gane.

“I’ve got nothing against Cyril,” Aspinall told reporters. “It was an accident. But I was winning that fight. I felt in control. I wanted to prove I’m the best in the division. Now? We don’t know.”

He emphasized that the poke wasn’t malicious, but he also questioned the lack of preventive measures: “We train to protect our eyes, but sometimes, no matter how careful you are, it happens. We need better rules — or at least better ways to handle this.”

Ciryl Gane: “I Didn’t Mean It — But I Respect the Decision”

Gane, typically calm and composed, admitted the foul was accidental but accepted the result.

“I never want to win like that,” Gane said. “Tom is a great fighter. I wanted to test myself. Now we both lose.”

He also hinted at a potential rematch: “If the UFC wants to run it back, I’m ready. But let’s make sure we’re both healthy and fair.”

The UFC’s Official Stance

The promotion has yet to issue a formal statement on the result, but sources close to Dana White (via theScore.com) indicate that the UFC is “evaluating options” for the division. With Jon Jones sidelined due to injury and Stipe Miocic retired, the heavyweight title picture is wide open — and Aspinall vs. Gane was supposed to clarify it.

“This is a nightmare scenario,” one UFC insider told theScore. “You have two top contenders, a title on the line, and it ends like this. It’s a PR hit and a logistical headache.”

Fans on social media were equally divided. Some called for an immediate rematch, while others argued the fight should have been ruled a technical decision — a rarely used rule where judges score the completed rounds if a fight is stopped due to an accidental foul.

Why Eye Pokes Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

While eye pokes have been part of MMA since its early days, their frequency and impact have increased as the sport grows more technical. According to MMA Fighting’s 2023 injury report, accidental eye pokes accounted for 12% of all fight stoppages — a significant number, especially in high-profile bouts.

The Rules: Why a No Contest Makes Sense — and Why It’s Frustrating

Under the Unified Rules, adopted by most major commissions (including New Jersey), the decision to stop a fight due to an accidental foul depends on round completion:

• Before Round 3 (non-title): No contest
• After Round 3 (or in title fights): Judges score completed rounds for a technical decision

In this case, since it was an interim title fight and stopped in Round 3, the no contest was the correct call. But critics argue this rule penalizes the victim — the fighter who was winning — while the fighter who committed the foul escapes any penalty.

“The system is flawed,” says Dr. Michael Kelly, a sports medicine specialist who works with Canadian MMA athletes. “You have a fighter who’s dominating, gets poked, and now they lose their chance at a title. Meanwhile, the other guy walks away with no consequences — and maybe even a future title shot.”

Some commissions, like the Nevada State Athletic Commission, are exploring penalty point deductions for repeated accidental fouls — a move that could discourage sloppy technique.

The Gloves Factor

One often-overlooked issue: MMA gloves. Unlike boxing gloves, which are heavily padded, MMA gloves are thin and expose the fingers — increasing the risk of eye pokes. While manufacturers have tried to design safer gloves (e.g., Venum’s “No Poke” line), adoption has been slow, especially in major promotions.

The Heavyweight Division: A Title Picture in Chaos

The Aspinall vs. Gane fight wasn’t just about pride — it was about clarity in a division long plagued by inactivity and controversy.

Where Things Stand Now

• Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to return in late 2025.
• Stipe Miocic, the former champ, has officially retired.
• Sergei Pavlovich, the top contender, is waiting in the wings — but has expressed interest in fighting Jones directly.
• Aspinall and Gane, both ranked in the top 3, are now in limbo.

With no clear path forward, the UFC faces a strategic dilemma: - Option 1: Rematch Aspinall vs. Gane — but risk another foul or injury. - Option 2: Have Aspinall face Pavlovich in a title eliminator. - Option 3: Let Jones fight the winner of a new contender bout — delaying the division even further.

“The UFC wants a clean narrative,” says MMA analyst Robin Black. “But right now, they’re stuck in the mud. Aspinall and Gane both deserve a shot — but how do you pick one