Ciryl Gane Vows Improved Ground Game Ahead of UFC 321 Title Fight vs. Tom Aspinall

Facing the Criticism Head-On

Ciryl Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) admitted that his past performances have left doubts, but he insists fans haven’t seen the full picture.

“Sometimes bad results and then people think that you’ve never worked on your ground game, on your grappling,” Gane said in Paris. “But believe me… I’ve got a team behind me. My coach Fernand Lopez, we’ve worked on our ground game. Sometimes I’ve not been able to show it and that’s on me, but this time, believe me, I’ve been working, and hopefully I can show it this time around.”

A Champion With Versatility

Ciryl Gane’s opponent, Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC), has quickly risen as one of the most well-rounded heavyweights in the sport. While known for his quick knockouts, the British champion also owns several submission finishes, including an armbar over Alexander Volkov and a rare submission of veteran Andrei Arlovski.

That dual threat makes Aspinall a particularly dangerous matchup for Gane, who must prove he can handle exchanges on the mat while still leveraging his elite kickboxing skills.

Focused Camp, No Distractions

Gane said he has been locked in since March, following a short rest period to heal from an injury. He emphasized his dedication by contrasting himself with fighters who balance training with outside distractions.

“I’ve not been training PlayStation or going to the Champions League or watching other events like some of the others. I’ve been really training, so I’m concentrated, I think everyone’s been able to see that.”

The Frenchman enters UFC 321 off back-to-back victories over Serghei Spivac and Alexander Volkov, though the latter came via a disputed split decision.

The Stakes in Abu Dhabi

Gane acknowledges Aspinall’s skills, but believes his own unique style will force the champion to adjust.

“I think Tom has the answer already. He knows I’m a little bit of a different fighter in the division… but I’m sure that Tom will be able to come up with an answer if he’s thrown to it. We’ll just have to see when the fight happens.”

For Gane, the title fight in Abu Dhabi is not just about reclaiming championship status — it’s about proving to critics and fans alike that he is more than a striker and that his evolution as a mixed martial artist is complete.