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Tom Aspinall’s first defense of his undisputed heavyweight title ended in bitter disappointment after Britain’s Cyril Jane was left unable to continue at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
At the end of the competitive first round, Frenchman Jean poked Aspinall in both eyes while attempting a punch, and the referee stopped the bout.
Aspinall (32 years old) was seen telling the doctor, “I can’t see,” while placing a cloth over his eye, and with the Briton unable to fight in front of the referee, the match was deemed a no-contest.
The result meant Aspinall retained his title – but not in the way he wanted, and he showed his frustration in his post-fight interview when the crowd booed the result.
“Guys, I’ve been stabbed deep in the eyeball. Why are you booing? I can’t see,” said a depressed Aspinall.
“The fight was about to start. I can hardly open my eyes. Look! It was a double poke in my eye.”
Calling the fight a “no contest” meant that the referee deemed the foul accidental rather than intentional, which would have resulted in a disqualification.
Gene was equally upset by the result and could be seen walking around the edge of the octagon and shaking his head as the result was announced.
“I feel sorry. I’m sorry for the public, I’m sorry for Tom Aspinall and I’m sorry for myself,” Gene said.
“We put a lot of energy into this fight so I’m disappointed, but that’s sport, that’s life.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but we will see.”
The fight has been billed as heralding the start of a new era in the UFC’s heavyweight division, and with Aspinall declaring his intention to move up the heavyweight division, this latest setback will be devastating.
Aspinall was defending his belt for the first time after being promoted from interim champion in June when former champion Jon Jones retired.
He spent 19 months as interim titleholder, waiting for an undisputed fight with Jones to happen, before the American retired.
The result was very disappointing because the first round showed signs of Gene testing Aspinall like any of his previous UFC opponents.
Aspinall came into the fight having finished seven of his eight UFC wins in the first round, but was unable to assert his dominance over Gene.
Jane attacked with leg kicks and quick passes while keeping out of Aspinall’s dangerous range with deft footwork.
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