The UFC heavyweight division’s new era took an unexpected turn on Saturday during Tom Aspinall’s first title defense against Ciryl Gane.

The highly anticipated fight ended in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke halted the fight in the first round.

Aspinall, 32, entered UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement and title vacancy earlier this year.

The Brit was looking to cement his status after a blistering 60-second knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, but his night came to a sudden halt before the opening round could conclude.

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Both men exchanged heavy strikes to start the fight, with Gane starting strong and Aspinall appearing to finally find his footing about one

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