‘Get the f*ck out of here’: Matt Brown blasts critics taking aim at Tom Aspinall after eye poke ended UFC 321
In a night that was supposed to solidify his status as the UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall found himself at the center of controversy after an accidental eye poke by Ciryl Gane forced the main event of UFC 321 to a premature halt. The incident has since ignited a firestorm of criticism aimed at Aspinall, which has now drawn a sharp rebuke from former UFC fighter Matt Brown.
Aspinall, who had rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC, was eyeing a dominant title defense. However, the fight took an unexpected turn when Gane’s finger made contact with Aspinall’s eye, leading to an immediate stoppage by the referee. The nature of the injury was such that Aspinall was unable to continue, resulting in a no-contest verdict.
The decision to stop the fight has divided fans and pundits alike. While some argued that Aspinall showed resilience by attempting to continue, others criticized him for not fighting through the pain. This criticism has been particularly harsh given Aspinall’s previous reputation for toughness.
Former UFC fighter Matt Brown didn’t hold back in his defense of Aspinall, reportedly exclaiming, "Get the f*ck out of here" to those taking aim at the English fighter. Brown emphasized that an eye poke is one of the most painful and potentially dangerous injuries in MMA, and that it’s unfair to question Aspinall’s heart or dedication in such a situation.
The incident has also reignited the debate about the effectiveness of current rules regarding eye pokes and the need for better prevention measures in the sport. Fighters and officials alike may need to reconsider how such incidents are handled to ensure both fighter safety and the integrity of the competition.
Aspinall, who was initially seen as the future of the heavyweight division, now faces an uphill battle in rebuilding the narrative around his performance. For now, the focus remains on his recovery and the possibility of a rematch with Gane to settle the score in the Octagon.
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