They’re Working on It’ – Top Heavyweight Drops Hint on Tom Aspinall’s Next Fight

Ciryl Gane, 35, the current No. 1 ranked UFC heavyweight, dropped a telling nugget during a recent appearance on UFC Unfiltered. The Frenchman didn't just speculate—he all but confirmed what fans have been hoping to hear.

‘I know my manager has spoken with the matchmakers, and I know they’re working on it,’ Gane said. ‘We’re really confident this fight is going to happen, because I’m the number 1 contender.’

This isn’t just bravado. Gane’s resume backs it up. He captured the interim title by finishing Derrick Lewis at UFC 265 and has remained a consistent force at the top of the division. 

Sure, his title unification bout against Jon Jones at UFC 285 ended quickly via submission—but since then, he’s quietly put together two straight wins, including a gritty split decision over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310.

And here’s where it gets interesting: Aspinall and Gane have both faced Volkov—but with very different results. Gane went the distance in a tense, back-and-forth affair that ended in a split decision, leaving plenty of debate on the scorecards. Aspinall, on the other hand, bulldozed Volkov with a slick first-round submission, leaving no doubt and showcasing the kind of explosive finishing ability that makes him such a dangerous champion. It’s the kind of contrast that adds fuel to the potential matchup: technical polish versus speed and power.

With both men circling the top, the stars appear to be aligning. As Dana White and the UFC look to plant the flag on this new heavyweight chapter, Gane’s not-so-subtle confidence feels less like speculation and more like a backstage handshake away from reality. If the UFC wants fireworks for Aspinall’s first defense, this matchup checks every box. Now it’s just a matter of when—and where.