Benoît Saint Denis: “Gane Will Beat Aspinall and Make History for France”

The heavyweight division in the UFC is always unpredictable, but when fellow fighters start backing one of their own with bold predictions, the anticipation grows even more. French lightweight star Benoit Saint Denis has added fuel to the fire ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall, publicly predicting that Gane will not only win but will finally deliver France its first-ever UFC champion.

A Heavyweight Clash With Historic Implications

For years, France has been waiting for a fighter to rise to the top of the UFC mountain. Ciryl Gane came close when he fought Francis Ngannou for the heavyweight belt, only to lose in a closely contested decision. He later faced Jon Jones in a quick title bout that ended in disappointment. But with each setback, Gane has continued to evolve, refining his game, and now finds himself once again on the cusp of history.

Across the cage will be Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion from England, widely regarded as one of the most complete heavyweights of this generation. Fast, technical, and powerful, Aspinall has been nothing short of spectacular in his rise, earning quick finishes and showing composure beyond his years. This fight is not just a battle for the belt — it’s a battle for continental bragging rights and historical legacy.

Benoit Saint Denis Shows His Confidence

Benoit Saint Denis, known for his relentless fighting style and national pride, expressed his faith in Gane during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. He didn’t mince words about what he thinks is coming.

“I think we are gonna finally have our first French UFC champion,” he said with conviction. “I think he has this fire inside him of wanting to become champion. I do believe he’s gonna beat Tom Aspinall and I cannot wait to see it.”

For a fighter like Saint Denis, who has carved out his own reputation in the lightweight division, these words carry weight. It’s not just friendly support; it’s a statement of belief rooted in what he sees from Gane both inside and outside the Octagon.

The Evolution of Ciryl Gane

When Ciryl Gane first entered the UFC, he was celebrated for his technical striking, fluid movement, and rare agility for a heavyweight. Dubbed “Bon Gamin,” he brought a style that stood in stark contrast to the typical power-first approach seen in the division. His ability to move like a middleweight in a heavyweight’s body made him a nightmare matchup for many.

But two major title losses served as harsh lessons. Against Francis Ngannou, his lack of wrestling preparation was exposed in the later rounds. Against Jon Jones, a quick submission highlighted how dangerous lapses in grappling defense could be at the elite level.

Since then, Gane has dedicated himself to shoring up those weaknesses. Training camps have shifted in focus, and teammates have described him as hungrier and more disciplined than ever. If that evolution is real — and if it shows up against Aspinall — the Frenchman might indeed complete the journey from prospect to champion.

Tom Aspinall: The Silent Threat

While French fans dream of a new national hero, Tom Aspinall is not arriving to play spoiler quietly — he’s arriving to dominate. The English heavyweight has yet to truly struggle inside the UFC, combining speed, technique, and finishing instincts that make him dangerous everywhere.

Aspinall’s composure is perhaps his greatest weapon. Whether he’s blitzing opponents early or patiently breaking them down, he rarely looks rattled. His footwork allows him to avoid heavy shots, while his grappling — often overlooked — makes him a complete fighter capable of winning in any phase of the game.

This combination is exactly why analysts believe this fight is a true 50-50 matchup. Both fighters have the tools to win. Both have youth, size, and experience at a high level. And both are motivated not just by gold, but by legacy.

France’s Moment of Truth

France has been steadily building its presence in mixed martial arts. Fighters like Benoit Saint Denis, Manon Fiorot, and Nassourdine Imavov have been climbing the rankings, proving that the country can produce elite-level talent. Yet the one thing missing has been a UFC champion to rally the nation around the sport.

If Ciryl Gane wins, it would mark a turning point — a moment that could inspire a new generation of French fighters, increase MMA’s popularity across Europe, and cement France as a true powerhouse in global combat sports.

The Psychological Edge

Public backing from a fellow fighter like Benoit Saint Denis can have a subtle but meaningful psychological impact. It reinforces the idea that Gane is not just fighting for himself, but for an entire nation of fighters who see in him the chance to open a new chapter in their country’s sporting history.

For Tom Aspinall, meanwhile, this kind of hype can either serve as added pressure or fuel. English MMA fans are equally passionate, and Aspinall carries the weight of representing one of the most respected combat sports nations in the world. He has made it clear in interviews that he respects Gane’s skill set, but respect will not soften his approach on fight night.

What Victory Would Mean

A win for Ciryl Gane would not just earn him the heavyweight belt — it would rewrite the narrative of his career. From promising newcomer to twice-defeated title challenger, to finally reaching the pinnacle, his story would become one of resilience and national pride.

For Tom Aspinall, a victory would confirm what many already suspect: that he might be the best heavyweight in the world, not just now, but potentially for years to come. It would also extend the UFC’s heavyweight championship lineage into a new chapter dominated by European talent.

The Countdown Begins

Fight week will bring press conferences, staredowns, and endless predictions. Fans will argue, analysts will dissect footage, and odds will swing as new information trickles in from training camps. But one thing is clear: the heavyweight division has rarely felt this alive.

And while no prediction is guaranteed in MMA, the confidence shown by fighters like Benoit Saint Denis reflects just how real the belief in Ciryl Gane has become. If he can deliver on that belief, France will finally have its first UFC champion, and a new era of European heavyweight dominance could be born.