Daniel Cormier defends Tom Aspinall’s disputed call despite being ‘upset’ with him

Some critics questioning the severity of Aspinall’s injury have pointed to Cormier’s final fight as a point of comparison.

Cormier suffered a torn cornea during his trilogy bout with Stipe Miocic, which ended his career on a failed attempt to reclaim the heavyweight belt.

Even with that injury, ‘DC’ fought through to the final bell at UFC 252.

However, speaking on his Good Guy/Bad Guy show, he explained why he does not see the situations as similar and backed Aspinall’s choice, despite the recent controversy between them.

“(Aspinall’s) obligation is to walk out of that Octagon with the belt. The chances go down tremendously when you defend that thing with one eye.

“I fought Stipe Miocic for a round-and-a-half after he poked me in the eye. I wasn’t the heavyweight champion anymore! I knew that was the last time I would make that walk,” Cormier said.

He added: “Of course, I kept fighting. Tom Aspinall is in a much different situation. I think he deserves a little bit of grace in this.”

Daniel Cormier reveals when he wants Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2 to happen

‘DC’ wasted no time weighing in on what should come next for the heavyweight division after UFC 321’s controversial finish.

During the broadcast, even before Dana White hinted at a rematch, Cormier had already suggested a timeframe for the second fight between Aspinall and Gane.

The former champion hopes the situation is resolved before 2026, saying he would like to see the rematch added to UFC 323.

When Jon Anik asked him what should happen next, Cormier replied:

“I think they have to rebook it. I mean, Tom Aspinall got poked in the eyes on both sides. … Ciryl Gane, to that point, was fighting a great first round.

“It was competitive. And it looked like we were watching the two best heavyweights in the world.

“I wanna see them fight again, as early as December if we can. I know that November’s done…”