Tom Aspinall / Getty Images

UFC 321: Team Gane Issues Harsh Warning to Tom Aspinall Ahead of Heavyweight Clash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 11:07 AM ET

A new era begins in the UFC heavyweight division, but the pressure has never been higher.

The UFC has officially confirmed UFC 321 for October 25 in Abu Dhabi, marking the long-awaited return of the heavyweight champion. With Jon Jones now retired and the title picture finally clearing up, the promotion has moved swiftly to crown a new era. That torch has landed squarely in the hands of the UK’s Tom Aspinall—now recognized as the undisputed heavyweight king. But with the crown comes weight, and the pressure surrounding this bout is immense.

Ciryl Gane, France’s premier heavyweight, is no stranger to the spotlight. He enters this clash riding a two-fight winning streak, having fought and defeated the likes of Alexander Volkov, Derrick Lewis, and Serghei Spivac and has stayed active while Aspinall’s title hopes remained stuck in limbo for over a year.

Recently, Gane’s longtime coach Fernand Lopez didn’t shy away from stoking the narrative, telling Ariel Helwani ‘Tom Aspinall has more pressure on him than any other fighter has experienced in the last decade. Can you imagine what will happen if Aspinall does not deliver on October 25th? That will be beyond an embarrassment. This is a lot of pressure that you don't want to take on your shoulders.’

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The stakes couldn’t be higher. Aspinall has repeatedly voiced his desire to be an active champion—a trait the division has sorely lacked. He’s also pointed out past frustrations trying to lock in a fight with Gane, hinting that the Frenchman had evaded the matchup. This time, Aspinall says he’s not just showing up to defend the belt—he’s showing up to erase Gane from the title picture altogether. October 25 promises fireworks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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