Alex Pereira Defends Tom Aspinall's Serious Eye Injury Claims

UFC champions rally around Aspinall's recovery amid doubts over the extent of his eye trauma.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After British heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall suffered a severe eye injury from an accidental eye poke during his title fight against Ciryl Gane, the incident sparked debate within the MMA community regarding its seriousness. However, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has publicly affirmed the legitimacy of Aspinall's condition and cautioned against doubting the injury's impact, while former UFC fighter Michael Bisping has advised Aspinall to prioritize his health over an immediate return to competition.

Why it matters

Eye injuries are a common but serious concern in MMA, and Aspinall's case highlights the fragility of the eyes and the need for fighters' wellbeing to take precedence over competitive pressures. The controversy surrounding this incident also reflects the challenges MMA fighters face when injuries interfere with their careers, and the importance of fostering an environment that prioritizes fighter safety.

The details

During the first round of the title defense, Aspinall was blinded in one eye due to the accidental eye poke by Ciryl Gane, which compelled him to stop fighting. The no-contest ruling interrupted Aspinall's first defense of the heavyweight championship. Since the fight, he has disclosed ongoing symptoms such as blurred vision and significant impairment, with medical treatment underway in an effort to restore his sight. Medical evaluations revealed he suffers from traumatic bilateral Brown's syndrome, underscoring the extent of ocular trauma beyond a typical eye poke.

  • On February 20, 2026, Tom Aspinall suffered a severe eye injury during his UFC title fight against Ciryl Gane.
  • Since the incident, Aspinall has been undergoing medical treatment and recovery efforts to restore his vision.

The players

Tom Aspinall

The British heavyweight champion who suffered a severe eye injury during his title fight.

Alex Pereira

The UFC light heavyweight champion who has publicly defended the legitimacy of Aspinall's injury and cautioned against doubting its impact.

Ciryl Gane

The opponent who accidentally poked Aspinall's eye during their title fight, leading to the no-contest ruling.

Michael Bisping

The former UFC fighter who has advised Aspinall to prioritize his health over an immediate return to competition, even if it means temporarily relinquishing the heavyweight title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Look, I don't mess around with health, man. I see it like the guy's a fighter, he's not gonna fake something like that. The guy's back now after surgery. I saw the photo that he posted. Man, his eyes were all red. It even scared me a bit. The eyes are really delicate, you know.”

— Alex Pereira, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (YouTube)

“When (rumors) said they went to Tom and asked him to vacate, I kind of understood it… Tom's waiting to make his comeback, he's still very much the heavyweight champion of the world. I understand what Tom's saying, okay? Because you do feel like the whole world is turning on you. And he wasn't the person at fault. He wasn't. But this is the world that we live in. The show must go on. If you get hurt at work and you can't do your job on a Monday morning, the business still continues.”

— Michael Bisping, Former UFC Fighter (Bloody Elbow)

What’s next

The UFC and Aspinall's medical team will continue to monitor his recovery progress, with the possibility of Aspinall temporarily or permanently relinquishing the heavyweight title to allow the division to move forward while he focuses on his health.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the fragility of the eyes and the need for fighter safety to be the top priority in MMA, even if it means temporarily disrupting the competitive landscape. The MMA community's response, including the support from fellow champions like Pereira and the advice from veterans like Bisping, underscores the growing awareness of the importance of prioritizing fighter health over the pressures of competition.