A heavyweight bout at UFC on ABC 5 ended in unfortunate and gross fashion Saturday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla.
A fired-up crowd of fans, who audibly clamored to see former Jacksonville Jaguar defensive end Austen Lane make his UFC debut, were instead dished disappointment when their home city fighter inadvertently poked opponent Justin Tafa in the eyes 29 seconds into their main card bout.
The fingers of Lane (12-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) appeared to go in both eyes of Tafa (6-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC). However, Tafa’s right eye in particular suffered damage. When the foul happened, referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in and called timeout. Lane was warned and Tafa was allotted five minutes to recover.
For more than three minutes, a doctor and Miragliotta looked at Tafa, who repeatedly said he couldn’t see out of his right eye. Blood appeared in the eye area, though it was difficult to tell the direct source. The bottom eyelid appeared to swell shut and eventually Miragliotta waved off the bout.
Since the foul was deemed an accident, Miragliotta ruled the fight a no contest. According to UFC commentator Jon Anik, an argument between the two corners broke out during the commercial break prior to the official decision.
Result: Austen Lane vs. Justin Tafa ruled a no contest (accidental eye poke) – Round 1, 0:29
Records: Austen Lane (12-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC), Justin Tafa (6-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight