Tom Aspinall says Ciryl Gane turned down fighting him three different times

Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will put the title on the line for the first time as undisputed titleholder against top contender Ciryl Gane in the UFC 321 main event. 

Aspinall, the former interim champion, defended the interim title at UFC 304 finishing Curtis Blaydes in 60 seconds. He was elevated to the undisputed champion on June 21 after former titleholder Jon Jones announced his retirement.

This isn't the first time Aspinall and Gane have been on a collision course to fight. According to Aspinall, Gane turned down the matchup three different times before agreeing to the UFC 321 showdown. 

"Now we are matched up of the 25th of October, Abu Dhabi, me and Ciryl. The fourth attempt is here," Aspinall said on his YouTube channel. "This is Ciryl's third title shot, so we are going to try and get rid of Ciryl Gane from the title picture for good."

"I believe that, well, I am the best heavyweight in the world, but I want to show everyone that I'm the best heavyweight in the world. Ciryl Gane has lost two title shots and I want to give him his third title shot loss and get him out of there."

Aspinall expects an exciting fight and pointed out that he and Gane are similar regarding their movement. Neither of them traverse the octagon like a traditional heavyweight. Both are light on their feet and rapidly close the distance. 

"I think it's going to be one of the most exciting heavyweight fights ever. I think we're very, very evenly matched. I think he's weaknesses work to my strengths," Aspinall said. "It's just going to be a crazy bit of heavyweight action for everybody to see."