Ciryl Gane criticizes Tom Aspinall's mentality after eye injury
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 6:48 AM
Last updated Sep 23, 2026
Ciryl Gane, the newly-crowned UFC heavyweight champion, has openly criticized former champion Tom Aspinall, labeling him as 'mentally fragile.' This comes after Aspinall vacated his title following a series of eye surgeries resulting from an eye poke during their fight at UFC 321. Gane defended his actions, claiming the poke was not forceful and suggesting Aspinall overreacted publicly regarding his injury. Gane is set to defend his new title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334, while Aspinall's return to the Octagon remains uncertain due to ongoing recovery issues.
- •Gane became UFC heavyweight champion after Aspinall vacated the title.
- •Aspinall has undergone multiple eye surgeries since UFC 321.
- •Gane criticized Aspinall's reaction to the eye poke during their fight.
- •Gane will defend his title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334.
- •Aspinall's return date to fighting remains unclear.
- 6:48 AMYahoo Sports — Ciryl Gane Claims Tom Aspinall Has a “Fragile Mentality” and Downplays Eye-Poke Impact
- 12:42 AMYahoo Sports — Ciryl Gane Blasts ‘Mentally Fragile’ Tom Aspinall
"Newly-crowned UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane blasted former champion Tom Aspinall, whom he called “mentally weak.”Aspinall was poked in the eye by Gane during their title fight at UFC 321 in October 2025 and was forced to undergo three eye surgeries because of the injury. He was making his comeback to the Octagon later this […] The post Ciryl Gane Blasts ‘Mentally Fragile’ Tom Aspinall appeared first on HEAVY.
"After being upgraded to the UFC undisputed heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane has blamed Tom Aspinall for being too dramatic during their fight.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 6:48 AMCiryl Gane Claims Tom Aspinall Has a “Fragile Mentality” and Downplays Eye-Poke Impact
After being upgraded to the UFC undisputed heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane has blamed Tom Aspinall for being too dramatic during their fight.
- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 12:42 AMCiryl Gane Blasts ‘Mentally Fragile’ Tom Aspinall
Newly-crowned UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane blasted former champion Tom Aspinall, whom he called “mentally weak.”Aspinall was poked in the eye by Gane during their title fight at UFC 321 in October 2025 and was forced to undergo three eye surgeries because of the injury. He was making his comeback to the Octagon later this […] The post Ciryl Gane Blasts ‘Mentally Fragile’ Tom Aspinall appeared first on HEAVY.
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