With Jon Jones vacating the UFC heavyweight title, Tom Aspinall has claimed the undisputed championship and is set to defend it against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. This matchup has generated significant discussion, especially considering Gane’s repeated opportunities at the title, with some questioning whether his fourth shot is warranted given the current landscape of the heavyweight division.

After a controversial split decision win over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310, Ciryl Gane prepares to face Aspinall, but experts including Eric Nicksick and Randy Faehnrich have raised doubts about Gane’s continued selection as a title contender. They suggest that the shortage of elite heavyweight fighters has influenced the UFC’s decision to position Gane as Aspinall’s challenger, stirring debate about the legitimacy of this title fight.

Experts Question Ciryl Gane’s Repeated Title Opportunities

Ciryl Gane’s pursuit of the UFC heavyweight crown is entering its fourth attempt, including his interim title win against Derrick Lewis in Houston and subsequent fights against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Randy Faehnrich voiced skepticism, stating,

“By the way, Ciril Gane getting a fourth title shot is actually insane,”

followed by Eric Nicksick’s reaction:

Crazy!

Faehnrich elaborated on Gane’s title run history:

Everybody keeps saying third title shot, but it’s his fourth because he fought for Francis’s interim in Houston against Derrick Lewis, then he fought Francis, then he fought Jon, and now he’s getting Aspinall. It’s like how? You lost.

Despite this critical view, Nicksick, who has trained Francis Ngannou, conceded,

Yeah. I mean, this is the fight to make.

After further discussion, Nicksick admitted reluctantly,

Coz there is nothing else to make.

Although both coaches agreed that Gane might not entirely deserve another shot at the heavyweight title, the scarcity of top-tier heavyweight contenders leaves the UFC with limited options. This backdrop adds intrigue to an already high-stakes bout between Aspinall and Gane, two powerful fighters with a history of not yet facing each other in the Octagon.

Michael Bisping Highlights Wrestling as Crucial for Gane’s UFC 321 Strategy

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping recently analyzed the impending fight on the Believe You Me podcast, focusing on the technical aspects likely to shape the outcome. While noting both fighters’ comparable size, speed, and coordination, Bisping emphasized that Aspinall holds the advantage in power and wrestling ability.

Bisping explained,

Well, in terms of the matchup, they’re both big men, similar sizes. They’re both athletic, very athletic. They’re fast, the pair of them. They’re both very coordinated. I think if I had to give an advantage Ciryl, it would be in the, you know, maybe in the movement, maybe he’s a little slicker on the feet, but he’s not as powerful as Tom.

He identified the wrestling element as the pivotal factor, adding,

Um, but the wrestling, the grappling side of things, it’s not even a conversation. Tom should be able to take him down, if he chooses to.

Moreover, Bisping offered a pointed piece of advice for Gane’s preparation, suggesting that dedicated wrestling training is essential for success against Aspinall. He remarked with a blend of jest and seriousness,

So, if Ciryl Gane isn’t training in Dagestan for two, three months, years, days, weeks, whatever…

This underscores the high level of grappling proficiency required for Gane to compete effectively, hinting that his wrestling will be a critical focus ahead of UFC 321.

Heavyweight Division’s Dilemma Raises Questions on UFC’s Direction

The heavyweight category is at an unusual crossroads due to the departure of Jon Jones and the lack of a deep pool of contenders. This scarcity has seemingly paved the way for frequent title shots for fighters like Gane, despite mixed opinions on their readiness or recent performance. Aspinall, as the new undisputed champion, finds himself facing a challenger whose repeated opportunities have sparked debate among analysts and fans alike.

This situation places additional pressure on UFC 321 to validate the heavyweight championship picture, as both fighters look to reinforce their legacies. Tom Aspinall is entering the fight with momentum and considerable hunger to prove his dominance, while Ciryl Gane aims to capitalize on his experience and technical skill to claim the crown.

As the UFC prepares for the event in Abu Dhabi, the focus sharpens on the strategic battle inside the Octagon. Wrestling ability, power, and agility will likely dictate the bout’s direction, with many anticipating how Gane’s adjustments, particularly in grappling, will counter Aspinall’s relentless style.

Ultimately, UFC 321 promises a high-profile clash between two elite heavyweights, though lingering questions about title shot legitimacy and division depth remain central to the discourse. The fight’s outcome may influence future matchmaking decisions and the heavyweight division’s trajectory for years to come.