Tom Aspinall Faces Eye Condition After UFC 321 Bout With Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall reveals a serious eye condition after an accidental eye poke by Ciryl Gane during UFC 321, with ongoing treatment and unclear return timeline.

Tom Aspinall faces a lengthy road to recovery after being diagnosed with a rare eye condition following his UFC 321 title defence against Ciryl Gane. In Abu Dhabi on 25 October, an accidental eye poke from the French-born challenger forced the referee to stop the bout and declare a no-contest.

Medical notes posted by Aspinall describe a diagnosis of significant traumatic bilateral Brown's syndrome, a condition that restricts eye movement, particularly when looking upward. He continues to experience persistent double vision and reduced eye mobility, with substantial field loss in his vision.

The 32-year-old Briton has said he has not heard from Gane since the bout and that surgery could be a possibility if the condition does not improve. In an update on his YouTube channel, he emphasised that the next weeks will determine his path, and he is currently not training in MMA while doctors monitor his eye health.

Brown's syndrome is a rare muscular issue that prevents the eye from moving upward, making daily tasks challenging. The situation also means Aspinall is not yet cleared to return to combat sports. Specialists are exploring options, including targeted steroid injections around the eye or surgical procedures if symptoms persist or worsen.

Officials have discussed changes in officiating to curb eye pokes in future events, following the Aspinall incident. Referee Jason Herzog ruled the fight a no-contest rather than disqualifying Gane for the foul, a decision that reflected the accidental nature of the contact. Aspinall has said he would welcome a rematch once he is fully fit.

UFC gloves, redesigned in mid-2024 to reduce eye pokes, cuts, and hand injuries, replaced again later with the traditional style that has been in use since 1997.

Expert opinion: Dr. Elaine Carter, a sports ophthalmologist, notes that Brown's syndrome can lead to long-lasting double vision and may require a staged treatment plan, including possible injections or surgery if the condition does not improve.

Summary: The incident highlights the health risks fighters face from accidental eye pokes. Aspinall remains hopeful for a return to competition, but only when he has regained full eye function and is medically cleared. Medical teams stress careful, gradual return-to-sport plans to protect vision and long-term health.