Tom Aspinall Speaks Out on Fight Business Struggles After Eye Poke Controversy

The British heavyweight champion opens up about the harsh realities fighters face, including injury recovery and tensions with UFC leadership.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Tom Aspinall, the UFC heavyweight champion, recently spoke candidly about the difficulties he faces within the fight business following the controversial eye poke incident at UFC 321. Aspinall revealed how the scrutiny after the stoppage has affected his connection to the sport and highlighted his frustration with how fighters are treated in MMA, feeling disposable and undervalued by the organization. The incident has led Aspinall to adopt a tougher, more outspoken attitude as he navigates his recovery and uncertain future.

Why it matters

Aspinall's revelations shed light on the harsh realities that top fighters in MMA often face, from dealing with injuries and criticism to navigating the business side of the sport. His openness about his disillusionment with the fight industry highlights the challenges many athletes encounter when their health and careers are at the mercy of promoters and public opinion.

The details

During the opening round of his first title defense at UFC 321 against Ciryl Gane, Aspinall suffered an accidental eye poke while clinched with his opponent. The injury immediately affected his vision, forcing officials to halt the fight and declare it a no-contest. The incident placed Aspinall under strict medical evaluation due to concerns about the severity of the damage to his eye. Despite receiving support from some within the MMA community, several well-known figures like Chael Sonnen and Anthony Smith criticized Aspinall for the stoppage, and rumors circulated about the potential stripping of his heavyweight title due to inactivity.

  • On February 14, 2026, Tom Aspinall spoke candidly about the difficulties he faces within the fight business following the controversial eye poke incident at UFC 321.
  • At the UFC 324 media event, Dana White avoided directly answering questions about Aspinall's status, responding in a tone seen by many as dismissive.

The players

Tom Aspinall

A British heavyweight champion in the UFC, known for his powerful knockouts and engaging personality.

Ciryl Gane

Aspinall's opponent at UFC 321, whom Aspinall accused of poking him in the eye with 'disgusting fingernails'.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has shown limited public engagement with Aspinall's injury and ongoing absence, and whose dismissive tone has stirred debate regarding Aspinall's commitment and the organization's management of his career.

Chael Sonnen

A well-known MMA figure who criticized Aspinall for the stoppage at UFC 321.

Anthony Smith

A well-known MMA figure who criticized Aspinall for the stoppage at UFC 321.

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What they’re saying

“I'll never stop loving [MMA], but I just hate the business. I think that fighters are completely replaceable and the business will make you feel like that any chance it gets. Even if you get hit with an illegal move, which could affect the rest of your life, they don't really give a s**t. And no one else does either.”

— Tom Aspinall (Uncrowned Combat)

“About me? I didn't even fight last night— jeez, catching strays in my own living room on a Sunday morning.”

— Tom Aspinall (YouTube)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Aspinall's candid remarks about the fight business highlight the often unseen struggles fighters endure beyond the octagon, dealing with injury, criticism, and the impersonal nature of the MMA industry. His shift toward a more assertive persona may signal changes in how he intends to manage his career moving forward, as he navigates recovery and negotiations with UFC leadership.