Dana White, the UFC president, recently voiced his thoughts on the situation surrounding heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall after a controversial fight. Aspinall faced Ciryl Gane in his first title defense but had to withdraw due to serious eye injuries sustained during the match.
Dana White Addresses Aspinall’s Injury
During a post-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi, White remarked, “I can’t make people fight.” He acknowledged Aspinall’s withdrawal, emphasizing that only the fighter could know the extent of his injury. Aspinall’s eye injury was aggravated by an accidental poke from Gane, which was serious enough to send him to the hospital.
Context of the Fight
- Aspinall withdrew four-and-a-half minutes into the fight.
- His injury raised concerns about his future in the UFC.
- The incident involved a finger that made contact with Aspinall’s eyeball.
White described the scenario as a “pain in the ass” but assured fans that he would rebook the fight between Aspinall and Gane. Following the event, White also praised Gane’s performance, despite the unfortunate incidents of eye pokes during the bout.
Frustration from White and the Fight Community
White expressed dissatisfaction over Aspinall’s reluctance to fight his friend Ante Delija, a fellow UFC heavyweight. Aspinall had previously stated he would vacate his title rather than fight Delija, which did not sit well with White, who remarked, “To even think about vacating it because you don’t want to compete against somebody is absolutely insane.”
Adding to the tension, Andy Aspinall, Tom’s father and coach, expressed a desire for his son to explore boxing for better financial opportunities. This comment was perceived poorly by some, especially given the timing amidst the uncertainty surrounding Tom’s current contract with the UFC.
Aspinall’s Future and Marketability
Despite recent challenges, Tom Aspinall remains a highly marketable athlete within the UFC. His ability to attract a British audience while showcasing impressive skills in the ring positions him as a key figure for the organization. Navigating relationships with Dana White and fans will be crucial for Aspinall in the coming months.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Tom Aspinall has added another layer to an evolving saga in the UFC. As Dana White continues to navigate his role as president, the future for Aspinall hinges on both health and promotional decisions within the organization.
