T.J. Dillashaw Criticizes Tom Aspinall’s Tactics Against Ciryl Gane
Following UFC 321, notable former champion T.J. Dillashaw has raised concerns regarding Tom Aspinall’s response to an eye poke during his match against Ciryl Gane. This incident occurred in the first round, leading to a no-contest after Aspinall could not continue. The fight was highly anticipated but ended abruptly, causing frustration among fans and initiating debate within the MMA community.
T.J. Dillashaw Criticizes Tom Aspinall’s Tactics Against Ciryl Gane
Dillashaw, who has an extensive background in the sport, voiced his perspective on the JAXXON podcast. He mentioned, “Tom Aspinall is one of those fighters who typically aims for a knockout, while Ciryl Gane opts for a more strategic approach.” According to Dillashaw, Gane’s calculated tactics positioned him advantageously, ultimately leading to the incident that halted the fight.
Eye Poke Incident and Fight Dynamics
The fight’s early moments showcased Gane effectively circling away from Aspinall’s power. Dillashaw indicated that Gane’s calculated distance control was significant in how the fight unfolded. Many have suggested that Gane may have been seeking an exit strategy against an opponent like Aspinall, who tends to finish fights quickly.
- Fight Context: UFC 321, Aspinall vs. Gane
- Outcome: No-contest due to an eye poke
- Aspinall’s Status: $3 million payout with plans for a rematch
Dillashaw’s Controversial Remarks
Dillashaw acknowledged that while Gane was responsible for the foul, he questioned the severity of Aspinall’s injury. He stated, “Observing the aftermath, it appears Aspinall’s eye looked fine.” This highlights the speculation regarding the decision-making at a critical moment in the fight. Dillashaw drew comparisons to other fighters who have continued despite serious injuries.
As discussions about the rematch surface, Dillashaw reiterated the importance of Aspinall being better prepared in their next encounter. He emphasized that Aspinall needs to adapt his strategy to handle Gane’s distance management more effectively.
Future Directions for Aspinall and UFC
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed intentions to set up the rematch between Aspinall and Gane soon, giving both fighters another opportunity to prove themselves. Fans eagerly await how these developments unfold and whether Aspinall can enhance his approach to competition.
