WASHINGTON – Ciryl Gane is unbothered by the accusations UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has thrown his way.
Since the controversial ending to their UFC heavyweight title fight, Aspinall has accused Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) of being a cheater, alleging he intentionally eye-poked him in the foul that caused an end to their bout. Gane clearly double eye-poked Aspinall at UFC 321 last October. The eye poke was deemed accidental, and the bout was ruled a no contest, as Aspinall couldn’t continue fighting.
Advertisement
When asked about these accusations, Gane didn’t seem to be paying them much mind.
“That is his opinion,” Gane said at Wednesday’s UFC Freedom 250 media day. “You have a beautiful, professional referee. The referee told me nothing because I respect the rules. It’s just an opinion. Everyone’s opinion is OK.”
Aspinall claims Gane’s eye poke caused him a serious injury to his eye, and he had to undergo surgery. The details of his recovery and what exactly happened have been kept scarce by Aspinall. Regardless, this injury to Aspinall prompted an interim title fight at heavyweight, which Gane is fighting against Alex Pereira this Sunday in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
Gane feels this bout with Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has had a bigger buildup, but deems both title fights special.
Advertisement
“I’m going to say more than Tom, but the fight with Tom was huge also because a lot of people were waiting for this fight, like a new breed, new generation of heavyweight,” Gane said. “It was a beautiful event also, but this one is going to be unique and just historic. I’m really happy, and also Pereira is a great champion.”
This event at the White House has brought an extra level of attention compared to other UFC events. Although it might seem like a distraction for most, Gane hasn’t let it get to him.
“I’ve been there already,” Gane said. “Now I’m a veteran. This is not my first time. I am not pressured by all of this now. I’m really comfortable with this situation, and this has helped me a lot. I’m really more focused on my opponent; that’s the only thing I need.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ciryl Gane responds to Tom Aspinall’s cheating accusations
