A simple social media post from French heavyweight Ciryl Gane has reignited a fierce online debate, proving that some moments in combat sports are impossible to forget. On Tuesday, January 7, 2026, Gane shared a short clip of himself training in a gym in France, but the focus swiftly shifted from his footwork to a painful chapter from the past.
Training Clip Meets Unresolved History
The video, which spread rapidly across platforms, showed Gane moving lightly on his feet, working on his movement and reactions. A group of young athletes ran around him as part of a drill, highlighting his speed and control. However, the intended message was quickly lost. Instead of discussing his technique, a flood of comments redirected the conversation to his last opponent: Tom Aspinall.
The incident fans couldn't forget occurred at UFC 321 in late 2025. In that high-stakes heavyweight bout, during an early exchange in the first round, Ciryl Gane accidentally poked Tom Aspinall in both eyes while defending against punches. The referee was forced to intervene, stopping the fight so doctors could examine Aspinall inside the octagon. The bout was ultimately ruled a no contest.
The Lasting Impact of a Rare Injury
The reason the memory remains so raw is the severity of the injury Aspinall sustained. After the event, the British fighter confirmed serious damage to his eye. Medical experts later diagnosed him with Brown's syndrome, a rare condition that impairs eye movement and vision. Aspinall underwent surgery and was forced to step away from active competition to recover.
As of early 2026, Tom Aspinall has not made a full return to training. His extended absence has created a significant bottleneck in the UFC's heavyweight title picture, delaying several anticipated matchups. This context fuels the emotional response from fans every time Gane posts online.
The comments under the new training video were a mix of anger, dark humour, and pointed reminders. "This reminds everyone of that fight," wrote one fan. Others questioned the purpose of the drill, while many simply expressed their frustration over the career-altering incident. Even comments praising Gane's athleticism were tinged with references to the unfortunate poke.
A Debate That Follows Him
The online reaction splits the fanbase into two clear camps. One group defends Ciryl Gane, emphasizing that the eye contact was unintentional and accidental, a common hazard in a fast-paced fight. The other group stands firmly with Tom Aspinall, believing that a single, fleeting moment irrevocably damaged his career trajectory and health.
What began as a routine update from an elite athlete transformed into a stark reminder of the sport's unforgiving nature. In mixed martial arts, the consequences of a fight can extend far beyond the final bell. For Ciryl Gane, a shadow from UFC 321 continues to loom, demonstrating how one controversial sequence can define a fighter's narrative for years to come.
