Shock: "Eyes Poked Three Times in Four Minutes" UFC Champion, Anger Over Bloody Tears Well-Deserved... "Underwent Two Surgeries, Return Halted"

*This content was translated by AI.

UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall (33) has had his octagon return postponed. Having undergone surgery due to a horrific "eye poke" injury, he recently received a diagnosis that further recovery is needed based on recent examinations.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 23rd (Korea time) that "Aspinall's return to the cage has been delayed due to setbacks in his recovery following two eye surgeries."

Aspinall faced Cyril Gane in October for his first heavyweight title defense. However, in the latter part of the first round, Gane severely poked both of Aspinall's eyes, and the match was ultimately ruled a "no contest."

He underwent two surgeries in February and was scheduled to resume training earlier this month. However, recent detailed examinations put a brake on his progress.

Appearing on the podcast "Fight Your Corner," Aspinall stated, "I thought I would receive immediate approval to compete, but the medical team diagnosed that it would take about two more months for my eye cells to recover," adding, "I will return as soon as I am fully healed."

Aspinall's return is expected no sooner than the end of this year. He is highly likely to face the winner of the interim heavyweight title bout "Alex Pereira vs. Cyril Gane" at the upcoming UFC "White House" event next month.

Meanwhile, Gane, who repeatedly extended his fingers multiple times during the match, strongly denied any intent. However, in an interview with "The Sun," Aspinall countered, "I don't view Gane as a bad person, but I cannot accept that poking someone's eyes three times in four minutes was unintentional." He continued, "I know exactly what actions I take during a fight. Repetitive incidents do not happen by accident," pointing out that Gane's actions were intentional.

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*This content was translated by AI.