The heavyweight clash between Justin Tafa and Austen Lane at UFC Jacksonville ended in a no-contest. Lane accidentally poked Tafa in the eye in the very first round. Unfortunately for both fighters, the damage was enough for the referee to call the fight off.
Tafa came to the fight hoping to make it three wins in a row. The 29-year-old had finished Harry Hunsucker and Parker Porter in his last two fights.
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The 3-3 UFC veteran’s opponent Austen Lane was making his UFC debut after a 1-1 outing on Dana White’s contender series.
The UFC Jacksonville matchup between Justin Tafa and Austen Lane was entertaining for as long as it lasted, although it lasted only seconds. The former Jaguars defensive lineman was beginning to invest in heavy kicks and punches before having the misfortune of catching Tafa right in the eye during one of their exchanges.
Fans react to Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane at UFC Jacksonville
The UFC Jacksonville fight between Tafa and Lane was barely past the first minute before proceedings were halted. The ringside physician examined Tafa’s eye and gave him time to recover before eventually calling it off.
This unfortunate turn of events angered a lot of fans.
This heavyweight bout has been ruled a NC after an accidental eye poke. #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/C5BDwPNfKV
— UFC (@ufc) June 24, 2023
Doctor: "He can't see out of his eye at all" https://t.co/YALQW2byus
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) June 24, 2023
One user agreed it was the correct call despite sympathizing with both fighters.
When a fighter says he can’t see, it’s over immediately at that point. No way you can let a guy who can’t see continue to fight. Too bad for Tafa for getting inadvertently poked, and too bad for Lane. #UFConABC5
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) June 24, 2023
Some of them felt bad for Tafa, who had to make huge efforts to show up on fight night, only to go home disappointed.
Yeah, this one's a wrap.
That was a terrible eye poke.
Have to feel for Tafa for having to travel half way around the world to sustain an eye poke in the first 30 seconds of the fight.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 24, 2023
Just stop the fight Big Dan. #UFCJacksonville
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) June 24, 2023
Coach Erik Nicksick did not like the injury and called for immediate medical attention for Tafa.
Bro, take this guy to the hospital ASAP, before he loses his sight. #UFCJacksonville
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) June 24, 2023
One Twitter user claimed it might have been the worst eye poke he had seen in MMA.
Jeez, that might be the worst eye poke I've ever seen in MMA #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/Z5Dm3Ghkv8
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) June 24, 2023
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The decision did not sit well with Tafa’s cornermen who had a few heated words for the opposing team. As Bruce Buffer announced the no-contest, Tafa had to ask his team to calm down.
Hopefully, he recovers soon and will be able to get another fight booked.
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What are your reactions to the ending of Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane? Let us know in the comments below.
