UFC president Dana White has discovered himself on the heart of intense criticism from MMA followers and members of the media after making controversial feedback concerning Tom Aspinall following the heavyweight champion’s lack of ability to proceed at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
UFC 321
The primary occasion between Aspinall and challenger Cyril Gane resulted in a no contest at 4:35 of the primary spherical after Gane by accident poked Aspinall in each eyes. The incident occurred with about 30 seconds left in a aggressive opening spherical, throughout which Gane bled from Aspinall’s nostril however gave the impression to be performing higher than most anticipated.
After being given the usual five-minute restoration interval, Aspinall repeatedly instructed the ringside physician that he was unable to see as a result of one among Gane’s fingers had penetrated deeply into his eye and the bottom of his center finger was the primary a part of his eye that he may see. Referee Jason Herzog in the end dominated the bout a no-contest, and Aspinall was taken to the hospital for checks.
Dana White slams Tom Aspinall
Within the post-match press convention, White made feedback that rapidly sparked controversy throughout social media platforms. Whereas discussing a attainable rematch, the UFC president mentioned there could be extra curiosity after followers noticed “he bloodied Tom and Tom did not wish to proceed.” White later added that an injured participant can’t be pressured to play, saying, “Solely Tom is aware of what occurred. Did he see it, did not he see it, was he capable of proceed? Solely he is aware of.”
backlash
The remark prompted swift and harsh criticism from MMA journalists and followers. Media member AFeldmanMMA wrote on social media: “As an alternative of admitting to UFC Heavyweight World Champion Tom Aspinall that he actually obtained poked within the eye and could not proceed the struggle as a result of he was blinded, his promoter mentioned, ‘Maintain the struggle going. When you’re a fighter, the following time you and your supervisor sit down to barter, bear in mind how little most promoters really care about your well-being. ”
A Reddit group devoted to MMA erupted in criticism of White’s characterization of occasions. On the r/MMA subreddit, customers expressed frustration that Aspinall obtained extra criticism than Gane for committing fouls. One commenter identified that White had beforehand been offended with Aspinall for saying he would vacate the title slightly than struggle buddy and coaching companion Ante Delja, suggesting the UFC president supposed to throw the champion underneath the bus.
“The disrespect is loopy,” one other fan commented, whereas others identified a sample of Whyte displaying disrespect in the direction of sure champions.
Instantly after contained in the Octagon, a annoyed Aspinall responded to boos from the group by saying: “Guys, I obtained knuckled behind my eyeball. What the hell? Why are you booing? What ought to I do? I am not poking. I am unable to see. This can be a bull. The struggle has simply begun. It is a full bull. I am being stepped on.” I am unable to open my eyes. Please have a look. this. Fing double poke. It is each eyeballs. ”
UFC Corridor of Famer Daniel Cormier later revealed that he noticed Aspinall backstage greater than 20 minutes after the struggle had ended, saying the British fighter’s proper eye was nonetheless coated in bandages and couldn’t be opened. Cormier added that his left eye, which seems to have penetrated deeper, was additionally severely affected.
Critics famous that although eye pokes happen roughly as soon as each 14 video games, computerized level deductions are hardly ever enforced and enforcement stays inconsistent. Because the starting of 2024, just one fighter within the UFC has had factors deducted for a watch poke.
White confirmed that the rematch between Aspinall and Gane shall be scheduled as soon as the champion receives medical clearance, saying: “It is a complete ache, however you are proper.” The UFC president mentioned a rematch “is sensible,” noting that each fighters are match to struggle other than Aspinall’s eye damage.
