News Summary
The main event of UFC 321 ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke by Ciryl Gane left Tom Aspinall unable to continue. The fight, anticipated for the heavyweight title, witnessed early domination by Gane before the incident halted the action. UFC President Dana White acknowledged the controversy and promised a rematch, targeting UFC 323 as the potential date. The outcome has raised discussions on officiating standards and the heavyweight division’s future, with both fighters eager to resolve the matter.
Las Vegas, Nevada — UFC 321 Main Event Ends in No Contest Following Accidental Eye Poke; Dana White Promises Rematch
The main event of UFC 321 in Las Vegas concluded unexpectedly after an accidental eye poke, resulting in a no contest between heavyweight fighters Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. The incident, which occurred at 4 minutes and 35 seconds into the first round, has sparked discussions about officiating and the future of the heavyweight title picture.
Details of the Fight and Incident
The bout was a highly anticipated clash for the heavyweight title, featuring Aspinall, with a professional record of 15 wins, 3 losses, and no draws, against Gane, who was 11-1-0. Early in the fight, Gane showcased strong performance with effective footwork and striking, controlling the octagon and dictating the pace. However, at the 4:35 mark of the first round, Aspinall was injured after an inadvertent eye poke from Gane.
The eye poke was unclear in severity at first, but Aspinall quickly indicated distress and appeared unable to see clearly. After medical evaluation, it was determined that the eye poke affected Aspinall’s vision significantly, making it impossible for him to continue. The referee paused the fight at 4:09 of the first round and ruled the contest a no contest, as the injury was deemed accidental.
Reactions and Future Plans
The outcome, the first in UFC history where a main event title fight ended in an immediate no contest due to an accidental eye poke, left many puzzled. The referee’s decision facilitated a request for a rematch, and UFC President Dana White expressed frustration over the controversial ending. He described it as a “shitty ending” and emphasized that the fight should proceed with the fighters in top condition.
White announced that the UFC plans to schedule a rematch between Aspinall and Gane as soon as possible, targeting UFC 323 scheduled for December 6. White highlighted that both fighters are in good shape and eager to settle the bout, underscoring the importance of having a definitive winner for the heavyweight championship.
Main Card and Under Cards Highlights
The event also featured other notable fights. Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant women’s strawweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba. Dern dedicated her win to her daughter, Moa, celebrating emotionally after the fight.
In a bantamweight eliminator, Umar Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision against Mario Bautista, strengthening his position within the division. Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov earned a split-decision victory over Jailton Almeida, adding excitement to the heavyweight ranks. Meanwhile, Azamat Murzakanov scored a first-round stoppage against Aleksandar Rakic in a notable light heavyweight bout, further exciting fans with his undefeated record of 16 wins and no losses.
Industry Discussions and Refereeing Standards
The accidental eye poke incident at UFC 321 sparked wider discussions about officiating standards in mixed martial arts. Critics and fans have called for stricter enforcement of fouls and more precise refereeing measures to prevent similar occurrences in future high-stakes fights.
Conclusion and Implications for the Division
Despite the controversial ending, Dana White’s statement about a rematch indicates continued interest in the heavyweight division’s title picture. Both Aspinall and Gane remain prominent contenders, and the UFC appears committed to resolving the issue with a new bout. The upcoming event UFC 323 risks becoming a pivotal moment for the division, with fans awaiting the announcement of the rematch and the potential crowning of a new heavyweight champion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 321 Heavyweight Title Fight Ends in Controversial No-Contest
UFC 321: Heavyweight Title Fight Set in Abu Dhabi
UFC 321 Features High-Stakes Fights Across Multiple Divisions
Aspinall Defends Heavyweight Title Against Gane in Abu Dhabi
UFC 320 to Feature Two Title Fights in Las Vegas
Additional Resources
- New York Post: UFC 321 Controversy
- CBS Sports: UFC 321 Results
- MMA Junkie: Mackenzie Dern’s Victory
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
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