Tom Aspinall Ready to ‘Break Through’ Ciryl Gane: Will the UFC Heavyweight Have a New Champion?

The UFC heavyweight division is on the brink of a major shakeup as Tom Aspinall, the reigning interim champion, signals his readiness to take on Ciryl Gane in what could be a unification bout for the ages. With questions surrounding Jon Jones’ availability and Stipe Miocic’s future, the anticipation for a new champion is at an all-time high. But can Aspinall break through Gane’s elite striking and claim the undisputed title? Or will Gane reassert his dominance at the top of the most dangerous division in MMA?

Tom Aspinall’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

Since making his UFC debut in 2020, Tom Aspinall has taken the division by storm. Hailing from Manchester, England, Aspinall brings a rare combination of explosiveness, technical striking, and ground game that many believe is unmatched in today’s heavyweight ranks. After quickly dispatching the likes of Jake Collier, Alan Baudot, and Andrei Arlovski, Aspinall earned respect for his fight IQ and his ability to finish fights without taking much damage.

His most impressive victory came at UFC 295, when he stepped in on short notice to face Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title. Aspinall stunned the MMA world with a 69-second knockout, showcasing his blistering hand speed and surgical precision. It was a star-making performance that validated all the hype surrounding him. In his most recent bout at UFC 304, Aspinall successfully defended his interim belt with a TKO win over Curtis Blaydes—again, in the first round. That win made it crystal clear: Aspinall is not just a future contender—he’s the present.

Ciryl Gane: Technician at the Top

While Aspinall has the aura of a wrecking ball, Ciryl Gane represents a very different kind of challenge. Known for his technical movement, fluid footwork, and pinpoint striking, Gane is a puzzle that many heavyweights simply haven’t been able to solve. His résumé includes wins over Derrick Lewis, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Tai Tuivasa—all delivered with masterclass performances in distance management and ring control.

Gane’s lone major blemishes are his losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Against Ngannou, he was surprisingly outwrestled, a critique that has stuck with him ever since. Against Jon Jones, Gane was submitted in the first round, further amplifying questions about his grappling deficiencies. Still, the Frenchman remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the division and continues to hover near the top of every title conversation.

The Rivalry Heats Up

What has made the idea of a Gane vs. Aspinall fight even more compelling is the growing tension between the two. Aspinall has publicly accused Gane of ducking him, pointing out that the Frenchman turned down an interim title shot at UFC 295. According to Aspinall, Gane has avoided fights with top-ranked contenders, choosing easier matchups that don’t carry the same risk.

Adding fuel to the fire, Gane was reportedly offered a title fight at UFC 304 but declined due to a Netflix movie commitment. Aspinall didn’t hold back in his reaction, labeling Gane a “clown” and saying that the Frenchman’s priorities clearly aren’t aligned with being a champion. Whether or not those accusations are fair, the tension is undeniable—and fans are eager to see the two finally settle their differences inside the Octagon.

Breakdown of Styles: Power vs. Precision

A potential matchup between Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane is fascinating not just for the personalities, but also for the contrast in styles. Aspinall is the quintessential pressure fighter. He has the ability to close distance quickly, cut off the cage, and land devastating combinations. He’s also an underrated grappler with legitimate submission skills, as seen in his win over Alexander Volkov.

Gane, on the other hand, is all about finesse. He moves like a middleweight and rarely gets hit clean. His jab, body kicks, and overall ability to control range have neutralized many power punchers before. The key question is whether Gane can maintain that distance against someone with Aspinall’s speed and explosiveness—or whether Aspinall will break through the range, get inside, and impose his will.

The ground game could also be a massive factor. Gane has struggled when taken down, while Aspinall has shown comfort in top control and submissions. If the fight hits the mat, Aspinall could have a clear path to victory.

What’s at Stake for the UFC Heavyweight Division

With Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic locked into a delayed superfight, the rest of the heavyweight division is in limbo. Neither fighter has a clear timeline for return, and the interim belt held by Aspinall has started to feel more and more like the real title. A unification bout with Gane would give clarity to the division and finally establish a long-term champion.

This fight could also be a symbolic changing of the guard. Miocic is 42, and Jones has hinted at retirement after one or two more fights. That leaves a massive opportunity for someone like Aspinall or Gane to take over the division, carry the UFC’s heavyweight legacy forward, and usher in a new era of dominance.

Fan Demand and UFC Priorities

There’s no denying that fans are clamoring for this fight. Whether it headlines a pay-per-view or becomes the co-main under a massive card, Aspinall vs. Gane is box office. The trash talk, the stylistic intrigue, and the high stakes make it one of the most compelling matchups available.

From a UFC promotional standpoint, the company may be leaning toward crowning a new champion who is active and marketable. Aspinall, with his humility, British fanbase, and thrilling fighting style, fits that mold perfectly. Gane, with his European draw and polished technique, also brings international appeal. The fight makes sense on every level.

Bold Predictions and Legacy Implications

If the fight happens, it could come down to who makes the first big mistake. Aspinall tends to explode early, and if Gane can weather the early storm, he might be able to take over in the later rounds. However, if Gane doesn’t adjust to Aspinall’s pressure and leaves openings for takedowns, it could be a short night in favor of the Brit.

A win for Tom Aspinall would almost certainly lead to him being declared the undisputed champion, especially if Jones and Miocic remain inactive. It would cement his status as the new face of the heavyweight division and put him in line for future mega-fights against the likes of Sergei Pavlovich or Jailton Almeida.

A win for Ciryl Gane would be redemption. It would erase the memory of the Jones fight, reestablish him as a legitimate champion, and show the world that he has evolved from his past grappling woes.

Final Thoughts: Is the Time Now?

All the ingredients are there for a monumental showdown. Tom Aspinall has proven he’s not only ready for the moment—he’s demanding it. Ciryl Gane, while more selective in his approach, is still one of the most skilled heavyweights in UFC history. A clash between the two wouldn’t just determine who wears the belt—it would define the future of the UFC heavyweight division.

Will Tom Aspinall break through Ciryl Gane and emerge as the new undisputed champion? Or will Gane’s slick style and cage savvy foil the Brit’s rise? The MMA world watches and waits, hoping the UFC makes this matchup a reality in 2025.