Tom Aspinall Defends Against Dana White’s Criticism: ‘I’m No Dummy’

Tom Aspinall faced a challenging situation during his recent UFC bout. At UFC 321, Aspinall defended his undisputed heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. However, the match ended controversially as an illegal eye poke from Gane resulted in a no-contest.

Criticism from Dana White

The fight’s abrupt conclusion drew criticism from UFC CEO Dana White. He expressed his frustration, labeling the outcome a “pain in the ass.” Aspinall responded to these remarks candidly on his YouTube channel.

Aspinall’s Health Concerns

“I’ve been having a lovely time in and out of the hospital, having all kinds of different tests done to my eyes,” he stated. Aspinall has been consulting with specialists and surgeons regarding his ongoing vision problems.

Defending His Decision to Stop Fighting

Aspinall explained why he chose not to continue after the eye poke. “I’m not a f*cking dummy,” he asserted. He argued that fighting without clear vision against a top striker like Gane would put his health at significant risk. Aspinall emphasized the difference between legal strikes and fouls in the sport.

Reflecting on the Fight

• Aspinall felt the fight was going according to plan before the incident.
• He acknowledged Gane as a tough opponent with solid defensive skills.
• Aspinall anticipated a long, challenging fight and believed he was capable of landing his own shots.

Frustration with Gane

Aspinall’s most significant frustration seems directed at Gane himself. Initially, he thought the eye poke was accidental. However, after reviewing the fight, he felt Gane was intentionally using his fingers to target Aspinall’s eyes during exchanges.

Uncertain Future in Training

Due to ongoing vision issues, including double vision, Aspinall is currently unable to train effectively. His recovery remains a priority before considering a rematch with Gane. “I am very keen to get back and beat this guy up, but I’ve got to be 100 percent right,” Aspinall stated.

The uncertainty surrounding his vision raises questions about when he will be ready to compete again. Aspinall, determined to regain his health, is focused on a future comeback in the octagon.