Gane’s Revenge Tour: Why Aspinall Might Be His Biggest Victim Yet

Ciryl Gane has always been one of the most gifted heavyweights in the UFC. His unique combination of speed, movement, and striking precision made him stand out in a division often dominated by raw power and brute force. Yet despite his undeniable talent, Gane’s career has been defined by frustrating near-misses. He fell short against Francis Ngannou in 2022 for the undisputed title, then suffered a crushing defeat to Jon Jones in 2023 that cast doubts over his ability to win the biggest fights. Now, in 2025, Gane is on what many are calling a revenge tour—a determined march to prove that he is still one of the best heavyweights in the world. Standing directly in his path is Tom Aspinall, a dangerous champion who could be the biggest victim of Gane’s resurgence.

The Pain of Missed Opportunities

For Gane, the losses to Ngannou and Jones were more than just setbacks. They were defining moments that altered his reputation in the eyes of fans and analysts. Against Ngannou, he was outwrestled by an opponent known primarily for knockout power. Against Jones, he looked overwhelmed from the opening seconds, submitting quickly in what became one of the most one-sided title fights in recent memory. These defeats painted Gane as a fighter who couldn’t rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

But setbacks often serve as fuel. Since then, Gane has rededicated himself to improving the weak points in his game, particularly wrestling and grappling. His team in Paris has reportedly sharpened his ground defense, and Gane has made it clear in interviews that he’s no longer the same fighter who was caught off guard by Ngannou’s wrestling or Jones’ grappling pressure. The revenge tour is not just about redemption—it’s about erasing doubts and proving he can compete with any style in the heavyweight division.

The Rise of Tom Aspinall

Standing across from him, however, is Tom Aspinall, a fighter who has quickly become one of the most respected heavyweights in UFC history. With his blend of size, speed, and technical ability, Aspinall has drawn comparisons to a younger, more complete version of Gane himself. The Englishman’s rise has been meteoric—finishing fights with clinical efficiency, showing well-rounded skills on the ground, and carrying himself with the confidence of a future legend.

As the interim champion who cemented his position with a string of dominant wins, Aspinall has been touted as the future of the division. His athleticism, youth, and fight IQ make him a nightmare matchup for almost anyone. Yet it’s precisely this challenge that excites Gane, who sees defeating Aspinall as the ultimate way to reclaim his place among the elite.

Why Aspinall Could Be Gane’s Biggest Victim

There are several reasons why Tom Aspinall might be the most vulnerable opponent on Gane’s revenge tour.

1. Style Similarities:
Aspinall shares many of Gane’s strengths—speed, footwork, and precision striking—but in a fight between two technicians, the edge may go to the one with more experience under the brightest lights. Gane has already faced the very best in Ngannou and Jones, and while he failed in those attempts, the lessons he learned could give him the edge against a less battle-tested champion.

2. Pressure of Expectations:
Aspinall enters this fight with the weight of being labeled the division’s “future.” That kind of pressure can be heavy, especially against a veteran like Gane who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Aspinall may feel the burden of needing to prove himself as the definitive heavyweight of his generation, and that could open the door for Gane to exploit mistakes.

3. Gane’s Improvements:
Unlike past matchups, Gane is no longer the fighter who ignored grappling preparation. His renewed focus on wrestling defense and clinch control could neutralize Aspinall’s ground game, forcing the fight into a striking contest where Gane has the experience advantage.

4. The Mental Edge of Revenge:
Fighters on a comeback often have a different kind of motivation. For Gane, every fight is a chance to rewrite his narrative. That hunger and desperation may fuel a performance that surprises Aspinall and the wider MMA community.

The Tactical Breakdown

In terms of tactics, Gane will likely employ his signature movement-heavy approach, looking to keep Aspinall at range with jabs, kicks, and constant footwork. Aspinall’s strength has been his ability to close distance quickly and unleash combinations, but Gane’s ability to glide around the Octagon could frustrate him. If Gane can stay disciplined and avoid being dragged into grappling exchanges, the fight could turn into a striking chess match where his precision might shine.

For Aspinall, the key will be to pressure early and test whether Gane’s improvements in wrestling are genuine. By mixing in takedown attempts with his striking combinations, Aspinall can keep Gane guessing and disrupt his rhythm. If Aspinall manages to put Gane on the back foot consistently, the Frenchman could once again look vulnerable.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

This fight is more than just another step in the heavyweight division—it’s a crossroads for both fighters. For Aspinall, a win solidifies his status as the undisputed future of the division and a true heir to the heavyweight throne. For Gane, victory would be the ultimate revenge against critics who wrote him off after his earlier failures. It would prove that he isn’t just a talented striker but a complete mixed martial artist capable of adapting, evolving, and triumphing against elite opponents.

Conclusion: The Revenge Tour Rolls On

Ciryl Gane’s journey has been one of brilliance mixed with heartbreak. Now, on his revenge tour, he is determined to silence doubts and reestablish himself as one of the best heavyweights on the planet. Tom Aspinall may be the most dangerous opponent he has faced since Jon Jones, but that danger also represents opportunity. If Gane can overcome Aspinall, it will not only be the biggest win of his career—it could be the defining moment that transforms his legacy from nearly-man to undisputed great. And that’s why Aspinall, despite his immense talent, might just be the biggest victim yet of Gane’s relentless pursuit of redemption.