Ciryl Gane Drops a Chilling Hint About His Plan for Tom Aspinall’s Ground Game
Ciryl Gane isn’t backing down ahead of what could be the biggest test of his career. The French heavyweight is preparing for a highly anticipated title clash with Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi, and he’s making it clear: he’s not afraid of the champion’s grappling.
For years, Gane has been praised for his striking — fast, technical, and elusive, making him one of the most athletic big men in MMA history. But alongside the praise has come criticism. Despite his brilliance on the feet, questions about his wrestling and ground game have lingered.
Now, as he prepares to face one of the most well-rounded heavyweights in the sport, Gane has issued a chilling warning: don’t underestimate his grappling skills.
A Career Marked by Stand-Up Dominance and Grappling Questions
In his 15 professional MMA fights, Gane has only suffered two losses. His first came against then-champion Francis Ngannou, who used unexpected wrestling to control Gane on the ground and win a five-round decision. The second was more decisive — a quick submission defeat to Jon Jones, who took him down with ease and finished with a guillotine choke in just over two minutes.
Those two fights cast a long shadow over Gane’s otherwise exceptional career. Both losses played into the narrative that while Gane is a generational striker, his grappling hasn’t caught up — a flaw that could be fatal in a division full of powerful wrestlers and submission artists.
Gane, however, says that perception is outdated and misleading.
Gane: “Believe Me, I’ve Been Working”
Speaking at a press conference in Paris through a French translator, Gane addressed the chatter about his ground game directly.
“Sometimes life is a little bit strange because some bad results and then people think that you’ve never worked on your ground game, on your grappling,” Gane said. “But believe me, as someone who’s come from Thai boxing as well, I’ve got a team behind me. My coach Fernand Lopez, we’ve worked on our ground game.
“These are experts. We know exactly what we’re doing. Sometimes I’ve not been able to show it and that’s on me, but this time, believe me, I’ve been working, and hopefully I can show it this time around.”
The message is clear: Gane isn’t ignoring his critics — he’s preparing to silence them.
Tom Aspinall: A Dangerous Champion Everywhere
Gane’s challenge is no small task. Tom Aspinall, the reigning interim heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the most complete big men in the sport. Known for his fast, powerful hands, Aspinall also has a dangerous submission game.
Among his accomplishments: he’s one of just three fighters ever to submit the legendary Andrei Arlovski, and in March 2022, he tapped out Alexander Volkov with an armbar in the first round.
That versatility makes Aspinall a threat no matter where the fight goes. Whether standing or on the mat, the British star has shown he can find finishes from anywhere.
But Gane is confident that this time, he won’t be caught off guard.
Focused Training, No Distractions
For Gane, the months leading up to UFC 321 have been about focus and refinement. After suffering an injury earlier in the year, he took time to heal before resuming intense training in March.
“As you know, my last fight was back in December, then during the months of January and February, I was resting a little bit,” Gane said. “I had a little bit of time away through an injury, recovering from that. But since March I’ve really been training, giving it my all.
“I’ve not been training PlayStation or going to the Champions League or watching other events like some of the others. I’ve been really training, so I’m concentrated, I think everyone’s been able to see that.”
The remark carried a subtle jab — perhaps aimed at fighters perceived as enjoying the lifestyle more than the grind — but also reflected the mindset of a man who knows what’s at stake.
What’s on the Line at UFC 321
The heavyweight division is in a period of transition. With Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic both in uncertain phases of their careers, Tom Aspinall has emerged as the next-generation champion — young, explosive, and highly skilled.
A victory for Gane would not only crown him a UFC champion but also redeem the doubts that have followed him since his losses to Ngannou and Jones. It would be proof that he’s evolved into a complete mixed martial artist, capable of winning no matter where the fight goes.
For Aspinall, beating Gane would cement his legitimacy as the best heavyweight on the planet and set up potential mega-fights with returning legends or rising contenders.
Gane Expects the Best Aspinall — and Plans to Answer It
Despite his confidence, Gane remains respectful of his opponent. He knows that Aspinall is preparing just as diligently for the challenge ahead.
“I think Tom has the answer already,” Gane said. “He knows I’m a little bit of a different fighter in the division, but I fight in a different way, but I’m sure that Tom will be able to come up with an answer if he’s thrown to it. We’ll just have to see when the fight happens.”
It’s the kind of measured, thoughtful response that has defined Gane’s career — calm, composed, and confident without the trash talk. But beneath that calm tone lies an unmistakable warning: the Ciryl Gane stepping into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi will not be the same one who lost to Jon Jones.
Conclusion: A Heavyweight Showdown With Questions to Answer
When UFC 321 arrives in Abu Dhabi, it will be more than just another title fight — it will be a test of narratives.
For Tom Aspinall, it’s a chance to prove that he can handle a slick, mobile heavyweight with elite striking. For Ciryl Gane, it’s the ultimate opportunity to show the world that his grappling is no longer a weakness — that the heavyweight puzzle he presents is now complete.
One thing is certain: the world will be watching, and whoever walks out with the belt on October 25 will not just hold a championship — they will hold the future of the UFC heavyweight division in their hands.
