Alex Pereira takes a dig at UFC 321 finish between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane

UFC 321 main event, held in Abu Dhabi, promised fireworks as Tom Aspinall defended his heavyweight championship against three-time title challenger Ciryl Gane. Fans were treated to an electrifying first round, with both fighters exchanging heavy strikes.

Gane’s jab kept Aspinall on the back foot, while Aspinall returned with punishing leg kicks and precise punches. However, the bout ended abruptly in controversy after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in the eyes. Despite being given time to recover, Aspinall was unable to continue, and the fight was officially ruled a no contest at 4:35 of Round 1.

The unexpected ending left fans divided and disappointed. While some booed the champion for not continuing, Aspinall fired back angrily, stating,

“Guys, I just got poked knuckle deep in the eyeball. What the f--- are you booing? I didn’t do the poke… This is bullshit. The fight was just getting going, complete bullshit. I’m pissed off.” Gane also expressed regret for the incident, emphasizing the unintentional nature of the eye poke.

Alex Pereira enters the heavyweight conversation

Amid the UFC 321 fallout, reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who recently reclaimed his title by defeating Magomed Ankalaev, weighed in on the situation in his typically provocative style. Pereira took to Twitter, posting:

"Let’s make the Heavyweight division great again. 🗿+🦴=🏠"

While Pereira did not explicitly reference Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane, the timing and context of the tweet suggest a commentary on the controversial main event and the state of the heavyweight division. Sources indicate that Pereira is planning a move up to heavyweight, and his post has already sparked debate among fans about his potential impact on the division.

Heavyweight division shake-up looms

With Alex Pereira signaling a move to heavyweight, the UFC landscape is poised for a shake-up. Tom Aspinall, still recovering from the eye poke incident, will need to refocus and prepare for future challengers. Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane will likely seek redemption after his third failed attempt at the title. Pereira’s arrival adds a new layer of intrigue, as fans anticipate high-profile matchups and a potential clash with either champion in the coming months.