Former champion explains finger poking Ciryl Gane in the eye and downplays UFC 321 controversy

Duel of Tom aspinall e Cyryl Gane ends with no result at UFC 321. Photo: UFC News / Twitter

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The controversial finger in the eye that prematurely ended the fight between Tom aspinall e Cyryl Gane at UFC 321, held last Saturday (25), in Abu Dhabi, continues to have repercussions in the world of MMA. And this time, the one who came to the Frenchman's defense was Demetrious Johnson, former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) and one of the most respected names in the history of the sport.

On his YouTube channel, Johnson downplayed the incident and classified Gane's action as a natural reflex inside the octagon.

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"It's MMA. It's a natural reaction (to open your hands) when someone comes at you. People don't understand that. In Muay Thai, when you kick, you have to keep your hands open," Mighty Mouse explained.

The incident occurred in the first round, when Gane accidentally struck Aspinall in the eye, who claimed he couldn't see after the blow. Referee Jason Herzog ended the fight, ruling it a no contest.

With the unexpected outcome, Tom aspinall retained his heavyweight belt, while the crowd booed the anticlimactic finale. The Englishman did not participate in the press conference and was taken to a local hospital for medical examination.

UFC President Dana White lamented the early termination and has already indicated that an immediate rematch between the two will take place once Aspinall is fully recovered. The fight is expected to be scheduled for early 2026, possibly on one of the first cards of the year.