Volkanovski Defends Aspinall After UFC Eye Injury Criticism

Champ highlights dangers of eye injuries as Aspinall recovers from surgery following UFC 321 fight stoppage.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has come to the defense of heavyweight fighter Tom Aspinall, who faced backlash after his UFC 321 fight was stopped due to a severe eye injury. Volkanovski emphasized the lasting impact of eye injuries, revealing he still deals with vision problems from a previous poke, and urged more understanding for Aspinall's decision to halt the bout for safety reasons.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked debate around fighter resilience and the role of referees in protecting athletes' health, underscoring the delicate balance between competitive spirit and medical necessity when it comes to fight stoppages. Volkanovski's comments aim to provide greater context on the physical toll of eye injuries, which many fans may underestimate.

The details

Aspinall's heavyweight clash with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 was stopped in the first round after referee intervention due to the British fighter's impaired vision from significant eye pokes. Aspinall has since undergone double eye surgery and is recovering, with plans for a rematch once medically cleared. Volkanovski, who continues to deal with lingering vision issues from a previous eye poke, emphasized how debilitating such injuries can be for fighters.

  • The UFC 321 fight between Aspinall and Gane took place in March 2026.
  • Aspinall has undergone double eye surgery and is currently recovering.

The players

Alexander Volkanovski

The current UFC featherweight champion who has spoken out in defense of Tom Aspinall following criticism over the eye injury that led to the stoppage of his fight against Ciryl Gane.

Tom Aspinall

The British heavyweight fighter who suffered a severe eye injury during his UFC 321 fight against Ciryl Gane, leading to the bout being stopped by the referee.

Ciryl Gane

The French heavyweight fighter who was competing against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 when the fight was stopped due to Aspinall's eye injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think everyone's being pretty harsh on Tom Aspinall. Eye issues can really mess with you quite a bit. A lot of people expect your eye to be falling out or something. From my first fight with Diego Lopes, I still have things playing up in my eye because of it. I still see flashes on the sides of my vision. You could be one hit away from losing your vision”

— Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Featherweight Champion (Red Corner MMA)

What’s next

Aspinall and Gane are expected to have a rematch once Aspinall has fully recovered from his eye surgery and been medically cleared to compete again.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious nature of eye injuries in combat sports and the need for greater understanding around the physical toll they can take on fighters. Volkanovski's comments provide valuable perspective on the lasting impact of such injuries, which may help foster more empathy in future debates over fight stoppages prioritizing fighter safety.