Aspinall ‘cheater’ claim his opinion, says GaneImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tom Aspinall was making his first defence of the heavyweight title against Ciryl GaneByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished57 minutes agoCiryl Gane has responded to being called “a big cheater” by Tom Aspinall, saying it is the UFC heavyweight champion’s opinion.Gane’s title fight with Aspinall in October was declared a no-contest after what was deemed an accidental eye poke by Gane, which left Aspinall unable to continue in the first round.The Briton continued to suffer from double vision, black spots and vertigo, and was diagnosed with a rare condition in both eyes, which required surgery in February.
The 33-year-old was poked more than once and although Aspinall initially felt it was accidental, having watched the fight back he stated Gane was “cheating, external from the first second and the way he wanted to win that fight was to have me compromised by cheating”.
The 36-year-old Frenchman will face Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on Monday and was asked about Aspinall’s comments during the media day.
“That is his opinion,” Gane stated on Wednesday.
“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 stated last month that he is back in training but is yet to be cleared for contact.
Once fit, he is expected to face the winner of Monday’s fight.
