Ciryl Gane is Going Viral for Highlight Reel of ‘Dirty Moves’ After Poking Tom Aspinall in the Eye

The video further included Gane’s 2021 matchup with Jairzinho Rozenstruik, showing repeated eye pokes and multiple low-blow strikes during extended cage exchanges. Clips from the 2022 Tai Tuivasa fight displayed back-of-the-head connections within punching flurries. In his victory over Derrick Lewis, Gane landed a series of punches to the back of the head while Lewis covered up on the ground.

A final clip also captured a low-blow sequence against Jon Jones before Jones secured a first-round submission. The UFC 321 bout represented Gane’s third failed title challenge, following earlier losses in championship settings against Jones and Francis Ngannou. After the double eye-poke against Aspinall triggered a pause in the action, ‘Bon Gamin’ fell down to his knees and was visibly emotional.

Regardless of intent, the recurrence of such moments has become part of the archival context in which his legacy is assessed. As heavyweight championship history continues to evolve, the catalogue of fouls attached to Ciryl Gane’s marquee appearances remains an active variable in how his tenure at the top of the division will be framed over time.

Ciryl Gane’s controversial coach reacts to the UFC 321 no-contest

Ciryl Gane trains under head coach Fernand Lopez at the MMA Factory in Paris, a camp known for producing several top-level European contenders. Lopez has been a polarizing figure in the sport since the public fallout with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, a dispute that elevated his name beyond coaching circles and made him a central personality in heavyweight discourse.

In the lead-up to UFC 321, Lopez was involved in a visible altercation with Tom Aspinall during fight week, adding a layer of tension before the bout. After the contest ended following eye-poke contact delivered by Gane in the opening round, Lopez recently issued public comments addressing the stoppage and the circumstances surrounding it.

I mean, Ciryl looked good there. For us, everything was going as planned. Absolutely planned. Unfortunately, if he can’t see, he can’t see. There’s nothing we can do about it. But again, so disappointed. So disappointed because today he knows that was his day. Today, he knew he would outwrestle this guy. He knew that.

Fernand Lopez via YouTube

With UFC 321 marking Ciryl Gane’s latest failed attempt at capturing the heavyweight title, the result has shifted attention to what comes next for his career. Lopez’s comments ensured the stoppage remained a focal point rather than a competitive sequence. The early offence Ciryl Gane produced in the opening round led many observers to believe the bout could have been more competitive had it continued.