Tom Aspinall's fighting future hangs in the balance after a recent eye injury, leaving fans wondering what's next for the heavyweight champion.
It's been over a month since the unfortunate events at UFC 321, where Aspinall's title defense ended prematurely due to an eye poke from Ciryl Gane. The incident sparked a whirlwind of reactions, with some criticizing Aspinall for not fighting through the foul, while others squarely blamed Gane. This event has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Aspinall's career.
Aspinall has kept fans updated on his recovery, even responding to critics, including UFC CEO Dana White. Recently, Uncrowned shared a video of Aspinall consulting with eye specialist Dr. Aws Al-Hity, shedding light on the severity of the injury.
Dr. Al-Hity's assessment was straightforward: Aspinall's right eye is experiencing restricted movement compared to his left. He explained that when Aspinall looks up and in, the right eye struggles to follow, causing potential strain and discomfort. During a fight, this could lead to Aspinall tilting his head to avoid the ache or double vision, which could compromise his performance.
But here's where it gets controversial... Before the UFC 321 main event, Aspinall had secured and defended an interim heavyweight title. He was later promoted to undisputed champion when Jon Jones retired, though Jones is now hinting at a comeback. Aspinall had hoped for a unification bout with Jones, but instead faced Gane, and now, a potential rematch looms, though nothing is official.
And this is the part most people miss... For now, Aspinall's training and fighting future remain uncertain. Dr. Al-Hity advised against fighting until the double vision resolves, warning that it could worsen the condition or hinder training. The prognosis is 'guarded' at the moment.
What do you think about Aspinall's situation? Do you agree with the doctor's assessment, or do you believe there's a way for Aspinall to return to the octagon sooner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
