Tom Aspinall will defend the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. UFC President Dana White confirmed the matchup on social media, marking Aspinall’s first undisputed title defense since being elevated to champion after Jon Jones’s retirement.
Ciryl Gane Earns Third Opportunity at UFC Heavyweight Championship
Ciryl Gane, who has not competed since a contentious victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310, is set for his third chance to claim the undisputed UFC heavyweight title. Previously, Gane lost title bouts to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, but held the interim title before falling to Ngannou. Throughout his UFC run, he has defeated notable fighters including Tai Tuivasa, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Junior dos Santos.
For Aspinall, this title fight represents a major milestone after his interim title defense against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July. Aspinall had hoped to face Jones in a unification bout, but after lengthy contract disputes and Jones’s unexpected retirement, Aspinall was declared undisputed champion.
Jon Jones Retirement Reversal Casts Future UFC Heavyweight Picture Into Question
Jon Jones’s abrupt retirement last month gave rise to Aspinall’s promotion as undisputed heavyweight champion, yet Jones has since announced plans to return to MMA competition in 2026. He has re-entered the UFC’s drug testing program and aims to compete at a UFC event reportedly planned for The White House next year, despite Dana White’s recent skepticism.
Jones’s return could create a compelling storyline for the heavyweight division, as he is expected to challenge whoever holds the title at the end of 2025. Given that Gane lost to Jones via submission at UFC 285 for the vacant title, the winner of the Aspinall vs. Gane fight may face Jones upon his comeback.
The UFC 321 fight card is anticipated to be completed soon, promising a significant event in the heavyweight division.
Significance of the Aspinall vs. Gane Bout for the UFC Heavyweight Division
This upcoming main event at UFC 321 marks a pivotal moment for Tom Aspinall, who now commands the heavyweight division after a period of uncertainty caused by Jon Jones’s retirement and contractual issues. Ciryl Gane’s perseverance in pursuing the undisputed title adds to the stakes of this fight, as both fighters seek to solidify their place at the top of the division.
The results of this bout will shape the heavyweight landscape over the next several years, potentially setting up a high-profile collision with a returning Jon Jones. With the UFC’s global fanbase and the event‘s location in Abu Dhabi, the title fight carries considerable weight, spotlighting the division’s future direction.