Undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is set to defend his title against former interim champion Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 321 this October. Aspinall claimed the undisputed belt following Jon Jones’s recent retirement, while Gane aims for his third shot at UFC heavyweight gold. However, some voices within the division question whether Gane is fully committed to this critical fight.
Recently, UFC heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida expressed skepticism regarding Gane’s focus, citing the fighter’s activities outside the gym in France after the matchup was announced. Almeida voiced concerns that Gane might lack the necessary drive to overcome Aspinall, a rising force in the division.
Gane has previously lost title opportunities against Jon Jones, who submitted him quickly at UFC 285, and Francis Ngannou, who defeated him by unanimous decision at UFC 270. This upcoming bout with Aspinall could represent Gane’s last chance at capturing heavyweight gold.
On The Ariel Helwani Show, Almeida said,
“I’m pretty sure that Aspinall beats Gane. It seems like Gane has other priorities in his life right now, and once you’re fighting at this level there can be no other priority…you have to be all-in. It doesn’t seem like that’s the case for Gane right now,”
expressing his doubts about Gane’s preparedness for such a high-stakes fight.
He added,
“I get it that he’s taking the title shot because who’s not going to take another title fight for the heavyweight belt? But I think his priorities are in a different place now.”
Almeida will also compete on the UFC 321 card, facing Alexander Volkov in what is expected to be a No. 1 contender matchup, adding further intrigue to the evening’s heavyweight clashes.
Ciryl Gane’s camp rebuffs claims, underscores fighter’s focus on next bout
Contrary to Almeida’s criticism, Ciryl Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez emphasized that the fighter remains fully concentrated on regaining heavyweight supremacy at UFC 321. Lopez stressed that Gane’s dedication has not wavered despite distractions suggested by others.
Gane’s recent victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310 was controversial. The fight ended with a split decision win for Gane, which many considered questionable. Even UFC President Dana White apologized to Volkov for what was perceived as an unfair outcome yet confirmed Gane’s next title shot against Aspinall.
Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall faces intense pressure entering UFC 321, knowing the storied absence of Jon Jones leaves the heavyweight division’s future uncertain. Aspinall has vowed to decisively defeat Gane and secure his place atop the division, striving to extinguish any remaining doubts about his championship reign.
This matchup is widely anticipated, as it pits a newcomer champion against a seasoned contender thirsty to reclaim lost opportunity, generating considerable tension among fans and insiders alike.
Upcoming UFC 321 card sets heavyweight division under the spotlight
UFC 321’s heavyweight bouts highlight a pivotal moment for the division’s hierarchy. Alongside the championship fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, the card features Jailton Almeida versus Alexander Volkov, a potential eliminator for the next contender spot. These matchups will shape the heavyweight landscape by year-end, marking a possible turning point for all involved.
Given the controversial history between these fighters and the uncertainty surrounding their motivations, UFC 321 promises a charged atmosphere with high stakes. Aspinall, who recently inherited the undisputed title, confronts the challenge of affirming his reign, while Gane aims to silence doubts and capture the championship he has pursued through multiple setbacks.