Heavyweight Title Ends in No-Contest; Rematch Planned

Tom Aspinall’s first defense of the undisputed UFC heavyweight title at UFC 321 ended in a no-contest after Ciryl Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in the eye 4:35 into the opening round, leaving the champion unable to continue. The stoppage — the first time an accidental foul has produced a no-contest in a UFC title fight — prompted visible frustration from Aspinall and an apology from Gane. Referee Jason Herzog halted the contest after ringside doctors determined Aspinall could not see, and Aspinall was later transported for further medical evaluation. UFC CEO Dana White said the promotion plans to rebook the rematch once Aspinall recovers. The rest of the card still produced notable winners such as Mackenzie Dern and Alexander Volkov.