Aspinall-Gane Ends in No Contest: What It Means for the UFC heavyweight Division
The highly anticipated UFC heavyweight title fight between champion Tom Aspinall and challenger Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest Saturday night,a frustrating outcome for both fighters and fans alike. Aspinall retained his title, but not in the way anyone envisioned, after an accidental eye poke brought the bout to a halt.
Rebooking this matchup will be a logistical challenge, but it’s necessary to deliver a definitive conclusion. This result is notably disheartening given the recent turbulence within the heavyweight division.
A Division in Flux
The heavyweight division faced a period of uncertainty earlier this year as the UFC attempted to orchestrate a title unification bout. This was between undisputed champion Jon Jones and aspinall, who held the interim title since November 2023. Unfortunately, Jones announced his retirement in June, leading to Aspinall being crowned champion under less-than-ideal circumstances. Saturday’s fight was intended to be Aspinall’s official coronation.
The first round showcased a competitive and engaging fight,with both heavyweights finding success on the feet. Aspinall attempted a takedown,but Gane easily defended it. Aspinall’s grappling advantage was expected to be a key factor, but the striking exchange was proving to be quite even.
The Fight Unfolds – and Ends Abruptly
Gane quickly established his jab and leg kicks, managing to bloody Aspinall’s nose early in the round. He consistently landed counter shots as Aspinall moved in,including a precise right hand just before the accidental foul.
The eye poke, however, proved fight-ending. the referee deemed Aspinall unable to continue safely,resulting in the no-contest decision.
A Rare Occurrence in UFC History
No-contest results in UFC title fights are rare. The only other instance occurred in 2017 between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. jones initially won by TKO at UFC 214, but the result was overturned to a no-contest after Jones failed a drug test.
Limited Octagon Time for the New Champion
Officially, Aspinall has competed in only three fights since the beginning of 2023. These fights combined for a total of just 3 minutes and 22 seconds of Octagon time. This means the UFC’s heavyweight champion has averaged approximately one minute of fighting per year over the last three years.
You can understand why fans and the UFC are eager to see a decisive rematch.
What’s Next?
The UFC now faces the task of rebooking Aspinall versus Gane. This will need to happen to provide a clear resolution to the heavyweight title picture.For Aspinall, it’s a chance to solidify his claim as the division’s top fighter. For Gane, it’s an possibility to avenge the frustrating ending and pursue the championship onc more.
Ultimately, this no-contest serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. It also highlights the importance of a definitive rematch to restore clarity and excitement to the heavyweight division.
