Ciryl Gane dismisses Tom Aspinall cheater claims over eye poke

Ciryl Gane has dismissed Tom Aspinall's accusation that he deliberately poked the Brit's eye during their October title fight, which ended in a no-contest when Aspinall could no longer see.

Gane faces Alex Pereira for an interim heavyweight belt at UFC White House on Sunday while Aspinall recovers from surgeries to repair the damage sustained in their bout. Aspinall has publicly called Gane a cheater multiple times since the stoppage, insisting the fouls were intentional.

Gane says referee cleared him during fight

Speaking at UFC White House media day Tuesday, Gane told reporters he is unbothered by the criticism. "This is his opinion," he said, per MMA Fighting. "We have a beautiful, professional referee. The referee told me nothing because I respect the rules. It's just an opinion. Everybody [has] an opinion. It's OK."

Gane admitted he was frustrated immediately after the October bout ended, having made a full training camp only to see the fight halted in the first round. "Straight after the fight in the cage, it was a mix of feelings. A little bit frustrated, a little bit angry, a little bit sad," he said. But he added that staying healthy was more important, and he has since shifted his focus entirely to Pereira.

The Frenchman said he would welcome a rematch with Aspinall down the line, but that conversation is on hold until after Sunday's interim title bout at the White House.

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• MMA Fighting — Ciryl Gane responds to Tom Aspinall calling him a cheater after eye poke controversy: ‘This is his opinion’