Ciryl Gane will defend the UFC heavyweight crown for the first time next month at UFC 334.
The French fighter was promoted from interim to undisputed champion in September after Brit Tom Aspinall relinquished the title due to complications from multiple eye surgeries.
Aspinall's surgeries stemmed from a double-eye poke Gane delivered in the first round of their October bout in Abu Dhabi.
Fans have expressed discontent, arguing the promotion would not have occurred had Aspinall not been injured by the accidental foul.
Former UK MMA competitor Brad Pickett told SunSport via Best Online Casinos, "He's not fighting at the moment, and he's had his belt stripped. I think it was all very unjust for such an unfortunate incident. I don't blame Ciryl Gane, but I do understand the division does have to go on."
Aspinall's withdrawal followed his right eye reverting to its pre-injury condition while preparing for a unification rematch with Gane at UFC 334. He must wait until January for an optic scan that could require further surgery.
Pickett added sympathy for Aspinall, noting the fighter's livelihood is now at risk and describing the eye-poke as "careless" rather than deliberate.
While Aspinall believes the foul was intentional, Pickett said, "I don't think it was deliberate. It's careless sometimes, but I don't think he deliberately poked in the eye."
