The next logical step for Gane could be a high-stakes matchup against Interim Champion Tom Aspinall, who has been on a meteoric rise with his explosive finishes and technical prowess.
Ciryl Gane
* Professional Record: 13-2
* UFC Heavyweight Ranking: #2
Last Five Fights:
1. Win vs. Alexander Volkov – Decision (split), UFC 310, Round 3
2. Win vs. Serghei Spivac – TKO (punches), UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Spivac, Round 2
3. Loss vs. Jon Jones – Submission (guillotine choke), UFC 285, Round 1 (for the UFC Heavyweight Championship)
4. Win vs. Tai Tuivasa – KO (punches), UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Tuivasa, Round 3
5. Loss vs. Francis Ngannou – Decision (unanimous), UFC 270 (for the UFC Heavyweight Championship)
Gane’s well-rounded skill set and fluid striking make him a unique threat in the division. However, bouts against elite grapplers like Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou have exposed vulnerabilities in his takedown defense and ground game. A potential matchup against Aspinall would be a clash of styles, with Gane’s technical striking meeting Aspinall’s rapid, high-pressure approach.
Tom Aspinall
* Professional Record: 15-3
* UFC Heavyweight Ranking: Interim Champion
Last Five Fights:
1. Win vs. Curtis Blaydes – KO (punches), UFC 304, Round 1 (Interim Championship defense)
2. Win vs. Sergei Pavlovich – KO (punches), UFC 295, Round 1 (won Interim Championship)
3. Win vs. Marcin Tybura – TKO (elbow and punches), UFC Fight Night, Round 1
4. Loss vs. Curtis Blaydes – TKO (knee injury), UFC Fight Night, Round 1
5. Win vs. Alexander Volkov – Submission (straight armbar), UFC Fight Night, Round 1
Aspinall’s dynamic finishing ability, supported by excellent boxing, grappling, and composure under pressure, has earned him an average fight time of just over two minutes. His aggressive approach would push Gane to elevate his defense and adaptability. A fight between the two would determine whether Gane can reclaim his momentum towards the undisputed title or if Aspinall cements his place as the division’s future.
