Tom Aspinall is not backing down from his quest to dominate the UFC heavyweight division. Ahead of a potential clash with former interim champion Ciryl Gane, the reigning interim titleholder has vowed to expose Gane’s biggest weakness — a flaw that has haunted the Frenchman throughout his career and left fans questioning whether he can ever truly become the undisputed king of the heavyweight class.

The fight has not yet been officially booked, but both men are on a collision course. Aspinall has consistently called out Gane, and fans are eager to see how their contrasting styles match up inside the Octagon. The English star is brimming with confidence, insisting that once he faces Gane, he will put on a performance that leaves no doubt about who belongs at the top of the division.

Aspinall’s Rise to Heavyweight Stardom

Since making his UFC debut in 2020, Tom Aspinall has been nothing short of spectacular. Known for his blazing-fast hand speed, technical boxing, and surprising agility for a 6’5”, 260-pound heavyweight, the Englishman has quickly become one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.

His victories over elite names like Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura, and his stunning first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich to capture the interim heavyweight title have cemented him as a serious threat to anyone in the division. What sets Aspinall apart is his versatility — he’s just as comfortable trading punches on the feet as he is grappling on the mat, a skillset that many believe makes him the most complete heavyweight today.

Ciryl Gane: Brilliant Striker With Lingering Doubts

On the other side stands Ciryl Gane, the French superstar whose striking has dazzled fans and analysts alike. A former Muay Thai competitor, Gane’s movement, distance control, and slick kickboxing are nearly unmatched in the heavyweight ranks. At his best, he makes the division’s biggest men look slow and clumsy, picking them apart with speed and precision.

But for all his striking brilliance, Gane has been unable to shake off one glaring weakness: his grappling and ground defense. His losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones both exposed how vulnerable he is when opponents take the fight out of the striking realm. Against Jones in particular, Gane was taken down almost instantly and submitted within two minutes, a performance that left fans and pundits deeply questioning whether he can adapt.

Aspinall Promises to Expose Gane’s Flaws

For Aspinall, this is exactly where he sees his opportunity. In interviews, the British heavyweight has made it clear that while Gane is a world-class striker, he has yet to solve the riddle of defending against top-level wrestlers and grapplers.

“Ciryl is amazing on the feet, nobody doubts that,” Aspinall said recently. “But this is MMA, not kickboxing. The problem for him is that the game doesn’t stop when you get taken down. That’s where I’ll show the difference. I’ll expose that weakness and make it clear for everyone to see.”

Aspinall’s confidence isn’t misplaced. With a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, combined with his speed and athleticism, he poses a stylistic nightmare for Gane. Unlike some of Gane’s past opponents who either lacked wrestling or were too slow to close the distance, Aspinall has the ability to pressure him both standing and on the ground.

What Makes Aspinall vs. Gane So Intriguing

The matchup between Aspinall and Gane is one of the most compelling possible fights in the UFC heavyweight division. Their contrasting strengths create a classic striker vs. grappler narrative — though Aspinall complicates the picture by also being an elite striker himself.

Fans would expect Gane to try to keep the fight at range, using his kicks and movement to frustrate Aspinall. On the flip side, Aspinall would likely look to mix things up — trading enough to keep Gane guessing, but always threatening with takedowns and top control. If he manages to get Gane down, many believe it would only be a matter of time before he either secures a dominant position or forces a finish.

The Heavyweight Division Landscape

The timing of this potential showdown is especially intriguing given the current state of the UFC heavyweight division. Jon Jones is still technically the undisputed champion, but his long absence due to injury and limited activity have led many fans to see Aspinall as the real face of the division.

With Jones expected to face Stipe Miocic in a legacy fight, the interim titleholder needs challengers to stay active against. That’s where Gane comes in — a fighter who remains one of the most marketable names in Europe and a consistent presence at the top of the rankings despite his setbacks.

Aspinall vs. Gane would not only be a stylistic treat but also a major international event, pitting England vs. France in a battle that could draw massive attention across Europe.

Lessons From Gane’s Losses

Gane’s defeats to Ngannou and Jones continue to loom over his career. Against Ngannou, he was unexpectedly outwrestled by a man known primarily for knockout power. Against Jones, the fight was over almost as soon as it began.

The big question is whether Gane has used the time since those defeats to shore up his grappling weaknesses. If not, Aspinall seems like the worst possible opponent for him — younger, faster, stronger, and more well-rounded.

Aspinall’s Message to the Division

Aspinall has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to unify the belts against Jon Jones, but he knows that every performance until then is a chance to prove he’s the future of the heavyweight division.

“I don’t just want to win fights, I want to dominate,” he said. “Ciryl Gane is a big name, and beating him in a way that exposes what people already suspect — that’s how I show everyone that I’m the best heavyweight in the world.”

For Aspinall, the fight is about more than just defending his interim title. It’s about cementing his legacy and forcing the UFC’s hand to book the fight with Jon Jones that fans are clamoring for.

Fan Expectations

Among fans, excitement for the potential matchup is high. Many see Aspinall as the man who could finally bring stability and legitimacy back to the heavyweight title picture. Gane, meanwhile, still has his supporters who believe his striking mastery could be enough to outclass even the most well-rounded heavyweights.

The debate continues across social media: Can Gane stay upright long enough to work his magic, or will Aspinall’s relentless pressure and grappling chops prove too much?

Conclusion

The heavyweight division has always been about big names, big power, and big moments. With Tom Aspinall promising to expose Ciryl Gane’s biggest weakness, the stage is set for one of the most fascinating potential clashes in recent memory.

If the fight gets booked, fans can expect a high-stakes battle of styles — one where Aspinall has the chance to not only secure another marquee win but also underline why many already see him as the true future of the heavyweight class.

Until then, his message remains clear: Ciryl Gane may be a great striker, but Aspinall believes he has all the tools to dismantle him and prove who really rules the UFC heavyweight division.