Tom Aspinall outlines new approach for UFC comeback following frightening eye injury

Aspinall has long been seen as one of the more reserved personalities in the UFC, and some have pointed to his laid-back approach as a reason why he has not broken through as a mainstream star, despite his skills inside the octagon.

But following his fight with Gane and everything that followed – including subtle criticism from Dana White – the Briton now says he has finished playing the nice guy role.

In a video where he discussed his mindset, Aspinall revealed: “When I come back there is no more ‘Mr Nice Guy’. Nice Tom, when it comes to MMA, is gone. I’m going full bad guy I think.”

Tom Aspinall suffers serious eye injury at UFC 321

Despite the obvious damage, Aspinall has faced some criticism within the MMA community over how his first undisputed title fight ended at UFC 321. Some put the blame squarely on Gane for the foul, while others questioned just how serious the Briton’s injury really was.

In response, Aspinall posted an Instagram update – packed with memes – that included official medical notes outlining what he went through in Abu Dhabi.

The report stated that Gane’s poke led to “significant bilateral ocular trauma” for the Briton. It also noted ongoing double vision, soft tissue damage around the eye, and a small fracture in his right orbital wall.