Ciryl Gane has not altered his approach following the eye poke incident involving Tom Aspinall. In a previous bout at UFC 321, Aspinall, then the undisputed heavyweight champion, faced Gane in his first title defense. However, the fight was declared a no-contest, and Aspinall retained his belt after Gane delivered a double-eye poke that compromised the champion’s vision and forced him to withdraw.
Following the fight, Aspinall underwent double eye surgery and is still unable to engage in sparring. Meanwhile, Gane is set to face Alex Pereira on June 14 for the interim heavyweight championship.
Gane Discusses Eye Poke: No Change in Approach
In a recent interview with New York Post Sports, Ciryl Gane was questioned about whether he had modified his technique to prevent accidental eye pokes, ensuring future opponents don’t suffer the same fate as Tom Aspinall. Gane reiterated that the eye poke was unintentional, explaining that he was “pushing” Aspinall’s face as the latter attempted to find an opening. Gane also commented that such incidents are common in MMA and are an integral part of the sport.
“No [I have not worked on keeping my fingers closed to avoid eye pokes]. Unfortunately, this has happened at almost every event. This isn’t something special. This is MMA.”
Here are Ciryl Gane’s remarks:
English Translation:
Ciryl Gane has learned no lesson from the Tom Aspinall fight. Last year at UFC 321, Aspinall faced Gane in the first defense of his undisputed heavyweight title. However, the bout ended as a no-contest, and the Brit retained the strap after “Bon Gamin” double-eye-poked him, after which the champion was unable to continue fighting due to compromised vision.
After the bout, in the months to come, Aspinall had to undergo double eye surgery, and even to date, he hasn’t been cleared for sparring. Gane, meanwhile, will lock horns with Alex Pereira on June 14, where the interim 265-pound championship will be up for grabs.
Ciryl Gane Says He Hasn’t Changed Anything After Eye Poke Against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321
During an interview with New York Post Sports, Ciryl Gane was asked if he’s worked on keeping his fingers closed during a fight while trading so that none of his future opponents share the same fate as Tom Aspinall. However, Gane once again insisted that the eye poke on Aspinall was completely unintentional. He explained that he was ‘pushing’ the Brit’s face while the latter was trying to find an opening. Gane also added that incidents like this happen at almost every event and are just part of MMA.
“No [I have not worked on keeping my fingers closed to avoid eye pokes]. Unfortunately, this has happened at almost every event. This isn’t something special. This is MMA.”