# Ciryl Gane's Promotion to Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion Faces Criticism Ahead of UFC 334

> Ciryl Gane was upgraded to undisputed heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt following eye-surgery setbacks, sparking fan backlash as the UFC 334 title fight approaches.

- Publisher: Briefzora (https://briefzora.com)
- URL: https://briefzora.com/ciryl-ganes-promotion-to-undisputed-ufc-heavyweight-champion-faces-criticism-ahead-of-ufc-334
- Published: 2026-10-30T00:00:00+05:00
- Author: Briefzora Desk (https://briefzora.com/author/briefzora-desk)
- Section: Technology
- Topics: UFC
- Image: https://briefzora.com/uploads/2026/10/very-unjust-ciryl-ganes-bump-up-to-hw-champ-after-tom-aspinalls-jwa1iu.webp

## Key points

- Ciryl Gane will make his first heavyweight title defence at UFC 334 next month.
- Gane was upgraded to undisputed champion in September after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt.
- Aspinall withdrew because of complications from multiple eye surgeries caused by a double eye-poke in October.
- Brad Pickett called the promotion "unjust" and said the incident was careless, not intentional.
- Aspinall must wait until January for an optic scan that may lead to additional surgery.

## Why it matters

The controversy affects heavyweight fans and the fighters involved, as the title picture changes and Aspinall's fighting career faces uncertainty.

## Article

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."

## Frequently asked questions

### Why was Ciryl Gane promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion?

He was elevated after Tom Aspinall vacated the title due to complications from multiple eye surgeries.

### When will Ciryl Gane defend his heavyweight title?

Gane is scheduled to defend the belt at UFC 334 next month.

### What caused Tom Aspinall's eye injuries?

A double eye poke from Ciryl Gane during their October fight in Abu Dhabi led to the injuries.


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