Ciryl Gane Calls Tom Aspinall Mentally Fragile After Title Vacation

Ciryl Gane, the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, expressed his views on Tom Aspinall following their UFC 321 encounter.

Tom Aspinall recently announced he would vacate his UFC heavyweight title to concentrate on recovering from several eye injuries. Aspinall, who has not competed since a no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, has faced multiple challenges in his recovery from eye pokes sustained last year.

The UFC matchmakers elevated Gane to undisputed champion after he secured an interim title earlier this year. He claimed the interim belt by finishing former two-division champion Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.

During his injury-related absence, Aspinall repeatedly accused Gane of being a 'cheater'. Now that Aspinall has allowed the heavyweight division to move forward without him, Gane is not letting his former rival avoid scrutiny.

Gane and his team label Tom Aspinall 'fragile' over handling of eye injuries

In a recent interview with Zack Nani TV, Gane commented on Aspinall's indefinite departure and his approach to recovery.

"We knew he was mentally fragile," Gane stated regarding Aspinall. "We had an inkling; we suspected it. The man complains a bit too much. You got poked in the eyes; you have grounds to stop. If you feel pain, there's a problem. There was no need for all the communication you engaged in, as it ultimately worked against you.

"We saw the fingers; there was no need for all that you did."

As of this report, Aspinall has not replied to Gane's sharp comments.

Gane is scheduled to face Josh Hokit in his first undisputed heavyweight title defense at UFC 334 later this year. Hokit earned his title shot following recent victories over Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes.