UFC President Dana White delivered a controversial response to the attention poke incident that ended UFC 321’s important occasion, telling reporters “Who provides a s–? What are you going to do?” when requested in regards to the group’s longstanding eye poke downside.
The extremely anticipated heavyweight title protection between champion Tom Aspinall and challenger Ciryl Gane got here to an abrupt halt at 4:35 of the primary spherical when Gane by chance poked each of Aspinall’s eyes. Unable to see correctly after the incident, Aspinall couldn’t proceed, main referee Jason Herzog to declare the bout a no-contest.
”I simply acquired poked knuckle deep within the eyeball. What am I imagined to do about it? I can’t see,” Aspinall mentioned within the octagon whereas addressing the booing crowd. The champion was instantly taken to the hospital following the incident.
Dana White’s Dismissive Response Sparks Controversy
In the course of the post-fight press convention, White appeared unsympathetic to each the scenario and requires reform. When pressed about potential options to forestall eye pokes, he responded: “Who the f– is aware of? Who provides a s–? What are you going to do? Simply occurs. Yeah. I imply, it doesn’t matter what you do with the glove, I imply, they’re going to occur.”
White’s feedback drew criticism from followers and media members who seen his response as dismissive of fighter security issues. The UFC president additionally made controversial remarks suggesting Aspinall might have chosen to not proceed, stating “Solely Tom is aware of what occurred. May he see? Couldn’t he see? May he proceed? Solely he is aware of that.”
The Persistent UFC Eye Poke Downside
Eye pokes have plagued the UFC for years, with analysis displaying the group has a considerably increased charge of incidents in comparison with different promotions. A 2022 examine by the Affiliation of Ringside Physicians discovered the UFC’s eye poke charge was 23 incidents in 233 bouts, translating to at least one eye poke per ten fights. This charge was dramatically increased than Bellator’s charge of two incidents in 87 bouts, or one in each 44 fights.
The UFC has had seven fights finish in a no-contest resulting from eye pokes since 2005. Between 2001 and 2020, Nevada State Athletic Fee knowledge confirmed 369 eye accidents occurred throughout 2,208 skilled MMA fights, with 73 p.c of occasions reporting no less than one eye harm.
Notable fighters like Jon Jones have confronted repeated accusations of eye poking all through their careers. Evaluation reveals Jones has dedicated no less than 33 real eye pokes throughout his UFC profession, with 58 situations of fingers in opponents’ eyes. Regardless of this historical past, Jones has by no means obtained a degree deduction particularly for eye pokes.
Failed Options and Glove Design Points
The present UFC glove design has been recognized as a contributing issue to the attention poke downside. The gloves naturally lengthen fighters’ fingers outward, rising the chance of unintended contact with opponents’ eyes.
MMA coach Trevor Wittman developed various glove designs by means of his ONX Sports activities firm that curve fighters’ fingers inward to advertise a pure fist place, probably lowering eye poke incidents. The gloves obtained widespread reward from fighters and commentators like Joe Rogan, who known as them “completely superior.”
Nevertheless, negotiations between Wittman and the UFC broke down when the group demanded unique possession of the patent. Wittman refused to promote the rights to his design, creating an deadlock that has prevented implementation of the improved gloves.
In 2024 the uFC launched a brand new glove design to assist decrease eye pokes within the sport. Nevertheless, the group later threw away the gloves and reverted to the unique design. The explanations are nonetheless unclear.
Impression on Fighter Security and Careers
Eye poke incidents can have extreme penalties for fighters. Analysis reveals 57 fighters who sustained eye accidents have been beneficial for additional ophthalmology clearance, with 43 receiving no-contact suggestions starting from three to 5 weeks. Extra severe accidents like retinal harm require longer restoration intervals.
Within the UFC 321 incident, Aspinall suffered what he described as being “poked knuckle deep” in each eyes. Medical examination revealed each eyes have been affected, together with his proper eye bearing the worst harm. The champion shared pictures on social media displaying the extent of the harm aftermath.
White confirmed that Aspinall and Gane may have an instantaneous rematch, regardless of the controversial ending. “Whole ache within the a** however yeah,” White mentioned concerning rebooking the battle. The rematch announcement got here unusually rapidly, as White sometimes avoids reserving fights at post-event press conferences.
