Tom Aspinall is set to defend his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25, as confirmed by UFC president Dana White. This upcoming bout, highlighted as the main event, is generating significant attention due to the fighters’ history and the excitement surrounding the heavyweight division.
Although Ciryl Gane is the officially announced opponent for Tom Aspinall’s UFC 321 fight, some voices within the UFC community have expressed alternative ideas about who should have faced Aspinall next. Depending on the organization’s goals, different matchups could have shaped the narrative and fan interest in unique ways.
Joe Rogan’s Preference for Derrick Lewis as Aspinall’s Opponent
Ciryl Gane, a former interim champion and two-time title contender, carries considerable prestige in the heavyweight division. However, his selection as Aspinall’s challenger surprised some fans, especially after Gane’s contentious victory over Alexander Volkov in December, a result even Dana White questioned.
Joe Rogan, the well-known UFC commentator, shared his perspective on the fight announcement during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, where he was joined by fighter Khalil Rountree Jr. Rogan argued that if he were responsible for matchmaking, he would have arranged a fight between Tom Aspinall and Derrick Lewis instead.
Rogan emphasized Lewis’s strong fan appeal and recent performance, noting his knockout win over Glover Teixeira followed by his memorable post-fight celebration. Although Lewis has not been on a long winning streak against top contenders, his presence in the Octagon consistently draws attention and excitement.
If I was running things, I would’ve set up the Derrick Lewis fight with Aspinall,
Joe Rogan stated.
I might say forget Ciryl Gane for now. Derrick just had this big knockout win, who’s more popular than Derrick? Who’s more beloved by fans than Derrick? Set it up.
Arguments Supporting Ciryl Gane’s Role as Aspinall’s First Challenger
Despite Rogan’s viewpoint, Khalil Rountree Jr. offered reasons why Ciryl Gane represents a logical and strategic match for Tom Aspinall. He pointed out that Gane’s marketability, combined with the fight dynamics and mutual recognition, make this confrontation a significant event at UFC 321.
Rountree highlighted the importance of Gane’s international popularity, particularly in France, where he is regarded as a top sports figure and cultural icon. This makes Gane a valuable asset for the UFC as the organization continues its global expansion efforts.
From, I guess, a business standpoint, it makes sense to use Ciryl because of everything that he’s doing in France. Movie star, you know what I mean? He’s got the entire country behind him now so with the UFC expanding internationally, it’s like Aspinall’s a British icon. Ciryl’s a French icon.
—Khalil Rountree Jr., UFC Fighter
The fight also carries intradivisional significance due to the contrasting styles and competitive backgrounds of both fighters, promising an engaging lead-up and compelling encounter. The choice of Gane as the challenger aligns with the UFC’s broader vision for market growth and rivalries that extend beyond the Octagon.
What This Means for the Heavyweight Division and UFC 321
With Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane, UFC 321 is positioned to deliver a high-profile heavyweight showdown with international implications. While some fans and commentators believe Derrick Lewis could have provided a more electrifying matchup, the pairing with Gane taps into a growing fanbase and international appeal, particularly across Europe.
The event in Abu Dhabi reflects the UFC’s commitment to global expansion and showcases Aspinall as a British superstar meeting the challenge of a prominent French contender. This fight will likely influence the heavyweight division’s future rankings and potential title trajectories.
Fans can anticipate a competitive and culturally significant event on October 25 that balances sporting merit with strategic growth, as the UFC continues to elevate heavyweight competition on the world stage.