Tom Aspinall, now the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’s retirement, is predicted to make his first full title protection within the coming months. With the division’s panorama reshaped after Jones stepped away, UFC President Dana White has publicly said {that a} matchup with French contender Ciryl Gane a matchup that is sensible.
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane
Talking in an unique interview with Helen Yee, Dana White stated:
“It’s most likely the combat that is sensible. I nonetheless haven’t talked to Tom, however he’s been unbelievable to work with. Whoever I inform him to combat, he’s preventing.”
Ciryl Gane, a two-time title challenger, has positioned himself because the main candidate for the following shot at Aspinall. Gane has just lately rebounded with consecutive victories and, in interviews, has expressed confidence {that a} title combat with Tom Aspinall is imminent. “I do know my supervisor talked with Hunter [Campbell] about matchmaking this week,” Gane stated, referring to ongoing discussions with UFC matchmakers. “We’re actually assured about this combat occurring as a result of I’m the primary contender, this is sensible.”
Ciryl Gane’s current performances, nonetheless, have been met with combined evaluations, together with a contentious choice win over Alexander Volkov, which has led some to query whether or not he’s essentially the most compelling choice for Aspinall.
Tom Aspinall, for his half, is raring to place the delays of the previous 12 months behind him and has outlined bold plans to combat twice in 2025. “I’ve wasted sufficient time now,” Aspinall stated in a current interview. “We’re trying to get a combat booked fast, and it’s wanting prefer it’s gonna be fairly quickly. I wish to combat on the finish of the 12 months as effectively.”
The matchup with Gane is seen as each logical and marketable, given the England versus France narrative and the necessity for a transparent contender on the high of the division. Plus, Aspinall and Gane haven’t fought one another beforehand.
The UFC is shifting shortly to guide Tom Aspinall’s first undisputed heavyweight title protection, with Ciryl Gane rising as essentially the most possible opponent. Ongoing discussions between the UFC and Gane’s group counsel an official announcement might be imminent.
