Aspinall 'cheater' claim his opinion, says Gane

Tom Aspinall was making his first defence of the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane

Ciryl 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. vertigo, and wasdiagnosed with a rare conditionin both eyes, which required surgery in February.

The 33-year-old was poked more than once. although Aspinall initially felt it was accidental, having watched the fight back hesaid Gane was "cheating,externalfrom 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 atUFC Freedom 250on Monday. was asked about Aspinall's comments during the media day.

"That is his opinion," Gane said 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 said 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.

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