Tom Aspinall will face Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 this October, competing for the heavyweight title in what is a pivotal moment for the division’s future. Aspinall UFC heavyweight division status hinges on this fight, as his performance could either solidify his reign or deepen concerns over the division’s dwindling relevance.
Matt Brown’s Warning on the Heavyweight Division’s Fragile State
UFC veteran Matt Brown has expressed serious concerns about the heavyweight division’s survival if Aspinall loses to Gane. Brown emphasized that the division is hanging on by a thread and a Gane victory would significantly damage its credibility. The lack of respected contenders below the champions makes this fight crucial for establishing the division’s direction.
The heavyweight division is on the line,
Brown stated during The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast.
If Gane goes in and beats him — no disrespect to Gane, love the guy — the heavyweight division loses a lot of respect. Even if Tom goes out there, and it’s a close fight or he gets dropped and then has to come back or something like that, the heavyweight division has so little respect right now, probably deservedly so I think even with Gane getting his third title shot in a couple of years, Tom has to show he is the heavyweight division.
—Matt Brown, UFC veteran
He has to prove that to the world. The heavyweight division’s not just shit, but I’m so good that the heavyweight division is shit. This is the thing he has to go out there and prove to the world. If he goes out there and loses to Gane, the division already is not respected, that brings Tom down significantly I think.
—Matt Brown, UFC veteran
Current Contenders and the Division’s Lack of Emerging Talent
Aspinall has already defeated three of the UFC’s top five heavyweight contenders, demonstrating his dominance in the upper tier of the division. However, outside of this elite group, new talent is scarce with Waldo Cortes-Acosta being one of the few fighters building momentum, despite limited fanfare for his mostly decision wins.
Without clear rising stars beyond these fighters, the division’s future depends heavily on Aspinall’s ability to maintain superiority and capture fan interest through his upcoming matchup with Gane.
The Pressure to Not Just Win, But Dominate Ciryl Gane
Matt Brown believes Aspinall’s victory must be decisive, not just a narrow win, to inspire confidence in the heavyweight division. This sentiment is intensified by the legacy Jon Jones left in the division following his swift submission over Gane. Aspinall’s performance will inevitably be compared to Jones’ dominant display, increasing expectations and pressure.
How he beats Gane, assuming he does, plays a factor, too,
Brown explained.
If it turns out to be a close fight, again Jon’s going to be on his phone with Twitter open watching this fight, just waiting for Tom to f*ck up and get dropped and get leg kicked and limping a little bit. Jon can’t wait for that moment.
—Matt Brown, UFC veteran
The fact that Jones defeated Gane in just over two minutes adds a difficult benchmark for Aspinall, who must demonstrate that he can not only beat Gane but do so in a convincing fashion that earns the respect of fans and fighters alike.
Jones’ Shadow Looms Over Aspinall’s Title Bout
Jones’ effortless victory over Gane represents a high bar that Aspinall must meet to command respect. If he fails to surpass or match that performance, critics will use Jones’ win to undermine Aspinall’s legitimacy as champion. This comparison increases the stakes beyond the title itself.
This is the situation Jon was craving the whole time,
Brown remarked.
He beats [Gane] in two and a half minutes, and he’s like dust off his shoulders, all right guys, I’m out for a minute. What can you do Tom?
It’s hard to beat a guy in two and a half minutes. A professional fighter, that’s not easy to do. If Jon fought him 10 times, he probably wouldn’t beat him that fast 10 times. That was one in those 10 times he beat him that fast. But now he did it, and he can say he did it. If Tom doesn’t match [that], you suck Tom, You just fought somebody worse!
—Matt Brown, UFC veteran
Implications of an Aspinall Defeat on the Division’s Future
Should Aspinall lose, interest in the heavyweight division could decline sharply, as Gane’s championship run may fail to generate the excitement necessary to elevate the division. Brown suggests the only path after a loss would be a rematch, but doubts linger about fan enthusiasm for such a scenario given the shattered aura around Aspinall.
If Tom loses, his only option is a rematch,
Brown said.
How many people are going to care about that? What kind of a demand is there going to be for that?
—Matt Brown, UFC veteran
With Jon Jones hinting at a return to the cage by mid-2026, the trajectory of Aspinall’s career remains crucial. His ability to decisively claim the heavyweight title will likely determine whether the division regains momentum or continues to struggle for relevance.