Tom Aspinall has been diagnosed with Brown’s syndrome in both eyes following an accidental eye poke that cut short his UFC heavyweight title defence against Ciryl Gane in October. The rare condition, which affects upward movement in the eye, has left the Salford-born fighter experiencing double vision, reduced eye mobility, impaired visual function, and significant field loss, according to a medical report Aspinall shared on Instagram.
Doctors have warned that depending on how his condition progresses, he may require targeted steroid injections around the eyes or even surgery if his symptoms do not improve. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 32-year-old explained that he is currently stepping away from MMA training to follow medical guidance. “I’m not doing anything fight-related at the moment. I’m just following the doctor’s orders,” he said, adding that he intends to return to the octagon against Gane only once he is fully fit. “I’ve got to be 100 per cent ready. When the eye is good to go, that’s when I’ll compete again,” Aspinall said.
The heavyweight bout in Abu Dhabi ended in a no-contest after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in the eyes during the opening round. The champion immediately informed the ringside doctor that his vision was compromised, forcing the fight to be stopped. The decision sparked debate among fans, but Aspinall’s choice received support from former UFC contender Muhammad Mokaev, who described it as the correct call. “You can’t risk your health, especially as a champion. Casual fans criticizing him don’t understand the situation,” Mokaev said, praising Aspinall’s character and dedication.
Training partner and super-welterweight boxer April Hunter also voiced her support for Aspinall, pointing out the severity of the injury. “He’s had two fingers in his eyes. If you can’t see, you can’t fight. I feel for him and hope he has a speedy recovery,” she told Sky Sports.
As Aspinall focuses on healing, fans and the MMA community await his return, confident that the heavyweight champion will be ready to compete again once his eyes are fully recovered.
