Why Tom Aspinall Sees Ciryl Gane as His Biggest Challenge

Tom Aspinall has made it clear: while speculation continues to swirl about a potential super fight with Jon Jones, the current Undisputed Heavyweight Champion has his eyes locked firmly on one opponent—Ciryl Gane. With the two men set to clash at UFC 321, Aspinall insists he isn’t distracted by the noise around him and is preparing for what he calls the “biggest test” of his career to date.

From Interim Champion to Undisputed King

Aspinall’s rise to the top of the heavyweight division has been anything but smooth. The 32-year-old Brit captured the Interim Heavyweight Championship at UFC 293 after Jon Jones was sidelined with an injury. He solidified his position by defending the belt against Curtis Blaydes, proving that he belonged among the division’s elite.

Meanwhile, Jones had secured a dominant victory over Stipe Miocic, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. But despite holding the undisputed title at the time, Jones showed little interest in meeting Aspinall inside the Octagon. For nearly two years, UFC President Dana White attempted to make the fight happen, but Jones eventually announced his retirement, leaving the division in Aspinall’s hands.

That decision effectively crowned Aspinall as the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, ending the uncertainty surrounding the belt. Just weeks later, the UFC booked his first official title defense against Ciryl Gane, a fighter who has already had two cracks at gold and is eager to seize the opportunity a third time.

Aspinall on Jon Jones: “I’m Focused on Gane”

Although Jones has since unretired and re-entered the USADA testing pool, Aspinall isn’t letting his name become a distraction. At the UFC 321 press conference, he brushed off talk of Jones and reiterated that his attention is on the opponent directly in front of him.

“Ciryl’s the guy I’m fighting, so he’s the biggest test right now,” Aspinall told reporters. “Jon Jones is retired, so I don’t really have much to say on that, to be honest. I’m fighting this guy and this guy’s really good, so I’ll be as ready as I can be.”

It was a grounded response from a champion who understands the dangers of looking past a world-class opponent. Gane, after all, remains one of the most technically gifted heavyweights in the sport, known for his fluid movement, striking accuracy, and ability to neutralize larger, slower fighters.

Why Ciryl Gane Is a Real Threat

While Jon Jones commands headlines with his legacy and comeback, Ciryl Gane poses an immediate and very real threat to Aspinall’s reign. The Frenchman has already fought for the heavyweight title twice—once against Francis Ngannou and later against Jon Jones—falling short on both occasions. But those experiences gave him a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at the championship level.

Gane’s skill set is unusual for a man of his size. At 6’5” and weighing around 245 pounds, he moves with the agility of a middleweight, using precise footwork, sharp jab combinations, and excellent fight IQ to control distance. Aspinall himself acknowledged these traits, highlighting why this matchup is unlike anything fans have seen before.

“I think the biggest difference is we’re both better,” Aspinall said. “We’re both better now than we were a few years ago. Ciryl’s had two title shots already, I’ve defended an interim title and now hold the undisputed title, so I think this fight’s going to be better and I think it’s pretty rare that you see any guys of our size that move like we do.”

A Clash of the New Age Heavyweights

One of the most compelling storylines surrounding UFC 321 is the idea that both Aspinall and Gane represent the future of the heavyweight division. Heavyweight MMA has long been dominated by power punchers and grapplers, but these two athletes bring a more modern, technical approach to the game.

Aspinall, with his well-rounded skill set that includes slick boxing, effective wrestling, and submission grappling, is often praised as the most complete heavyweight in the UFC. Gane, with his precision striking and movement, represents the evolution of heavyweight kickboxing in MMA. Together, they embody what Aspinall calls the “new age of the heavyweights.”

“I think this is really like the new age of the heavyweights,” Aspinall explained. “And people are really going to start to see the difference between guys like us and guys 10 years ago.”

It’s a fair point. A decade ago, the division was ruled by fighters like Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Alistair Overeem—all excellent in their own right, but less diverse in terms of skill set compared to today’s crop of heavyweights. With athletes like Aspinall and Gane, the division now features fighters who combine speed, technique, and conditioning in ways previously unseen at the highest level.

What a Win Would Mean for Aspinall

For Tom Aspinall, a victory at UFC 321 would be more than just a successful first title defense—it would be validation. Critics of his championship status have often pointed out that he became undisputed champion without beating Jon Jones. Defeating Gane in a high-profile matchup would go a long way in silencing those doubts.

It would also establish Aspinall as the true face of the heavyweight division, giving him the momentum to dictate future matchups. Whether that leads to a clash with a returning Jon Jones or other top contenders like Sergei Pavlovich and Jailton Almeida, the opportunities would be endless.

What a Win Would Mean for Gane

On the other side, this fight represents a third—and possibly final—chance for Ciryl Gane to capture the UFC heavyweight crown. A win over Aspinall would erase the sting of his losses to Ngannou and Jones, while proving that he belongs at the very top of the division.

For Gane, defeating a champion in his prime would also silence critics who argue that he struggles under the brightest lights. A victory would not only bring him gold but also secure his legacy as one of the best heavyweights of his era.

The Shadow of Jon Jones

Even though Aspinall insists his focus is on Gane, the shadow of Jon Jones looms large over the division. Widely considered the greatest fighter in UFC history, Jones rejoining the USADA testing pool suggests he isn’t done competing. If Aspinall defeats Gane, the demand for a showdown with Jones will only intensify.

For fans, a fight between Aspinall and Jones represents the ultimate test: the new age champion against the greatest of all time. But for now, that dream remains secondary. Aspinall knows that overlooking Gane would be a mistake he can’t afford to make.

Conclusion

As UFC 321 approaches, Tom Aspinall is blocking out the noise and keeping his attention squarely on Ciryl Gane. While Jon Jones’ name continues to surface in headlines, Aspinall has made it clear that his priority is defending his belt against a hungry, dangerous opponent.

This matchup is more than just a title fight—it’s a glimpse into the future of the heavyweight division. With two elite athletes showcasing speed, movement, and skill rarely seen at their size, UFC 321 has the potential to redefine what fans expect from heavyweight MMA.

Whether Aspinall cements his reign or Gane finally claims the crown, one thing is certain: the heavyweight division is entering a bold new era, and the whole world will be watching.