Tom Aspinall reveals grueling recovery from UFC 321 eye surgeries

Tom Aspinall says the recovery from multiple eye surgeries was more excruciating than anything he has endured in combat sports or in life, including a vasectomy.

The UFC heavyweight champion discussed the aftermath of his UFC 321 no contest against Ciryl Gane during an appearance on the Great Company with Jamie Lang podcast, according to Sherdog. Aspinall underwent three separate procedures after accidental eye pokes ended the bout, one on his left eye and two on the right. The worst part, he said, was remaining conscious through it all.

Aspinall describes awake eye surgery ordeal

"They kept me awake," Aspinall said, per the podcast. "They put something on to keep your eyeball open... they numb your eye... and you're just watching them slice your eyeball open." He compared the experience unfavorably to his vasectomy, calling the eye procedures far worse.

Aspinall admitted the first two weeks post-fight brought genuine fear about permanent damage. He also pushed back against critics who questioned his toughness after the anticlimactic finish, telling fans who doubted him from behind a phone screen that they had no basis to judge a professional fighter's heart.

The Brit has since cleared medical protocols and is expected to run back the Gane fight later this year, with the interim champion likely waiting for the rematch booking.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Tom Aspinall reveals the horrifying reality behind his UFC 321 injury