Arnold Allen cautions Tom Aspinall about potential criticism for complaining about eye-pokes: 'People may perceive it as whining'

As Tom Aspinall's eye-poke incident leading to a no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 continues to shake up the heavyweight division, its the champions reaction outside the octagon that has sparked some of the fiercest criticism. While Aspinall faces growing scrutiny, UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen has come forward to support him.

Allen, 31, understands the challenges of public backlash. Hes no stranger to long recovery periods, injuries, and the often unrewarding process of updating fans, who often demand information but are less understanding when it comes. When he sees the heavyweight champion being slammed for explaining his eye injury and uncertain return, he sees a familiar patternone that repeats itself in the sport.

During a conversation on Uncrowneds The Ariel Helwani Show on Tuesday, Allen shared his perspective on the situation surrounding Aspinall, without holding back. It's such a tough one because I really feel for him, and I dont think he quit. He definitely didnt back down. Hes not lying about whats going on, said Allen. But the more you put out there, and people dont want to hear it they just dont care.

For Allen, this dynamic is all too familiar. Injuries are not just physically draining but mentally exhausting too, especially in the age of social media where nuance is often lost and fans tend to favor narrative over fact. When he watched Aspinall explain his medical situation, only to be criticized for offering what seemed like excuses, Allen could relate to the frustration.

"Obviously my situation is different, but I know when I've been injured, and I post a video of myself doing rehab or mentioning that Im coming back soon, people just dont care. They just hear you complaining," said Allen. You could say, 'Im hoping to fight soon, but Im still injured,' and fans wont care. They wont say Hope youre okay. Instead, theyll call you an 'inactive bum.' Thats just the way it is now, with younger fans maybe, those anonymous Twitter accounts. Its a real issue."

While Aspinall, who had been sidelined for over a year, found himself thrust into the spotlight after Jon Jones retirement crowned him the undisputed champion, his medical challenges havent spared him from accusations of exaggeration or quitting. As 2026 approaches, Aspinalls immediate future remains uncertain, as fans impatience continues to clash with his medical reality.

Meanwhile, Allen is gearing up for his return to the octagon. After not competing since July 2024, the veteran featherweight will face Jean Silva at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas.