Ciryl Gane is once again standing on the edge of heavyweight glory, and despite setbacks in the past, the Frenchman believes he’s now better prepared than ever to capture the undisputed UFC heavyweight title. With his clash against Tom Aspinall set for UFC 321 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi, Gane has expressed supreme confidence in his ability to rise to the occasion. In his own words, this fight “is going to be easy,” and he credits his previous experiences with title bouts against the likes of Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones as the reason Aspinall doesn’t intimidate him.
Ciryl Gane’s Heavyweight Journey So Far
“Bon Gamin” has been one of the most technically gifted heavyweights the UFC has ever seen. With his fluid movement, kickboxing pedigree, and composure inside the Octagon, Gane quickly rose to prominence, capturing the interim heavyweight title in 2021 by defeating Derrick Lewis. However, when given the chance to unify the belts, Gane fell short against Francis Ngannou in early 2022.
That defeat marked his first professional loss and revealed vulnerabilities in his wrestling defense. While he bounced back with an emphatic win over Tai Tuivasa, Gane once again stumbled at the biggest stage when he was submitted by Jon Jones in just over two minutes at UFC 285 in March 2023.
Two failed attempts at undisputed gold could have broken a fighter’s spirit, but for Gane, they were lessons. He insists that those experiences have hardened him mentally and prepared him for the spotlight.
Why Gane Thinks Aspinall Doesn’t Scare Him
Speaking to UFC on TNT Sports, Gane opened up about the lessons he has taken from his high-pressure fights. He recalled how overwhelming the spotlight was during his first undisputed title fight against Ngannou:
“The press conference, the media, everything is heavy for the fighter. Against Francis, it was so, so heavy. It was not easy.”
By the time he faced Jon Jones, Gane said the pressure felt less suffocating, even though the fight didn’t go his way. Now, heading into his third shot at the ultimate prize, Gane feels like the mental and emotional burden has completely lifted.
“I remember, for Jon Jones, it was easier, so I’m sure for the next one it’s going to be easy.”
For Gane, that experience is the edge he believes Aspinall doesn’t have. While the Brit has been viewed as the “true champion” by many since defeating Sergei Pavlovich for the interim belt, this will be his first undisputed title defense. That difference, Gane claims, is exactly why he has the advantage.
Aspinall’s Rise and the Challenge Ahead
Tom Aspinall, however, is not a man to underestimate. The British powerhouse has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the world, boasting knockout power, slick grappling, and a calmness inside the cage that belies his relatively short UFC career.
Since recovering from a devastating knee injury in 2022, Aspinall has returned stronger than ever. His quick destruction of Pavlovich at UFC 295 and his clinical dismantling of Curtis Blaydes solidified his position as the division’s future.
Still, Gane is dismissive of the pressure narrative that Aspinall and his team have tried to put forward. Aspinall’s camp has claimed all eyes will be on their fighter, but Gane pushes back, saying his own experience with media attention and title bouts means he’ll walk into UFC 321 with calmness and control.
The Criticism Against Gane
While Gane is confident, not everyone shares his optimism. His recent performances have been scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. His controversial win over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310 didn’t inspire much excitement, with many calling it a lackluster showing. Coupled with his quick loss to Jon Jones, some fans believe Gane has lost the momentum that once made him the division’s golden boy.
Moreover, questions about his wrestling defense still linger. Aspinall, who possesses a well-rounded game, could exploit the same holes Ngannou and Jones did if Gane hasn’t shored up those weaknesses.
What’s at Stake at UFC 321
This fight represents two very different narratives colliding. For Aspinall, it’s the chance to cement his status as the undisputed champion and silence any critics who view his belt as “interim validation.” For Gane, it’s likely his final chance to prove he belongs at the very top of the heavyweight mountain.
Should Gane lose, it would mark his third failed bid at the undisputed title, and even his most loyal fans would find it hard to see another path back to contention. For Aspinall, a win over Gane would mark the beginning of a dominant reign, potentially setting up super fights with legends like Jon Jones or rising stars such as Jailton Almeida.
Gane’s Confidence vs. Reality
Confidence has never been an issue for Ciryl Gane, but confidence alone won’t be enough to topple a hungry and dangerous Aspinall. The Frenchman insists the fight will be easier than his previous title bouts, but Aspinall is arguably in better form than both Ngannou and Jones were when Gane faced them.
The big question: Has Gane improved enough since his last setbacks to deal with Aspinall’s power and grappling? Or is his belief that experience alone gives him an edge a dangerous underestimation?
Final Thoughts
Ciryl Gane says “it’s going to be easy” when he faces Tom Aspinall at UFC 321, but easy is rarely the word associated with heavyweight championship fights. Aspinall is young, hungry, and dangerous, while Gane is banking on experience and composure to carry him through.
The October showdown in Abu Dhabi won’t just decide who holds the belt—it will determine whether Gane can finally deliver on his promise as an elite heavyweight or if Aspinall will officially take the torch as the division’s new king.
One thing is certain: both men have everything to gain and everything to lose. For Gane, it’s redemption. For Aspinall, it’s validation. And for the fans, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest heavyweight title clashes in recent UFC history.
