Joe Rogan expressed concern for UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who is sidelined due to eye injuries from a no-contest fight with Ciryl Gane, highlighting the uncertain state of the heavyweight division and Aspinall’s potential future in it.
Joe Rogan is sending his best wishes to Tom Aspinall during a tough period for the UFC heavyweight champion. Aspinall is currently sidelined as he recovers from a disastrous UFC 321 main event.
The fight ended in a no-contest after Ciryl Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in the eye near the end of Round 1. Aspinall expects to undergo multiple surgeries, but there’s no clear timeline for his return.
Rogan is pondering the uncertain state of the heavyweight division, questioning whether Aspinall will be able to lead it in the future. “The Tom Aspinall-Ciryl Gane thing was a disaster,” Rogan said on his podcast.
He expressed concern over Aspinall’s vision issues, noting the fighter’s right eye remains problematic. “He might not ever fight again,” Rogan speculated, highlighting the seriousness of the injury.
Eyes are tricky, as Rogan pointed out, referencing Michael Bisping, who fought 11 UFC fights blind in one eye. Aspinall is no stranger to injuries. In 2022, a knee injury ended his bout with Curtis Blaydes in just 15 seconds.
Aspinall made a comeback, defeating Marcin Tybura and winning his next two bouts. However, he was sidelined again, waiting for a bout with Jon Jones that never happened. Rogan doesn’t blame Aspinall for the cooling of his stock.
“I hope Tom gets back,” Rogan said, emphasizing the uncertainty around Aspinall’s eye injury. Critics should know the severity of the injury, as the finger went deeper into his left eye than his right.
The UFC heavyweight division can’t afford to lose its champion now. It’s suffering from a lack of star power and promising talents. Rogan discussed this with top prospect Gable Steveson, stressing the importance of Aspinall’s return.
“The heavyweight division is so shallow right now,” Rogan said. With names like Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones, and possibly Francis Ngannou, there’s a dearth of championship-caliber fighters.
Rogan added, “The heavyweight champion of the UFC is the baddest motherf*cker on the planet.” But currently, it’s all up in the air, leaving fans and fighters alike in suspense.