Tom Aspinall issues warning to Ciryl Gane after rival's chilling threat
The undisputed heavyweight champion did not appreciate the Frenchman's comments ahead of their mouthwatering title fight in Abu Dhabi this weekend
Be careful what you wish for. That was seemingly the message from heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall after Ciryl Gane sent his upcoming rival a chilling warning ahead of their showdown.
Aspinall is set to defend his undisputed heavyweight title at UFC 321 this Saturday night in Abu Dhabi against the Frenchman. This will be the Brit's first defence of his coveted gold prize since being promoted to full champion in June, following Jon Jones' retirement announcement.
The Wigan warrior hasn't stepped into the ring since successfully defending his interim strap against Curtis Blaydes in July 2024. Meanwhile, Gane, aged 35, narrowly won a split-decision victory over Alexander Volkov in his last Octagon appearance in December. This weekend will mark Gane's third attempt at an undisputed title fight, having failed on his two previous tries.
Despite his past failures, Gane is brimming with confidence as he aims to claim the heavyweight crown. However, it won't be a walk in the park, reports All Out Fighting. All 15 of Aspinall's career wins have come by way of finish, and he has only gone past the first round once in his UFC career. Yet, Gane believes he will be the one to push the champion into 'deep waters.'
At the UFC 321 media day, when asked about his strategy to defeat Aspinall, Gane responded: "Everybody knows my strengths. Everybody knows his strengths also. I can do very well to manage my distance. But, if I want, I can go really fast in the first round also... maybe I can go in the deep waters with Tom Aspinall." When questioned if he's ready to take the Brit into uncharted territory for the first time, he affirmed: "Yeah, probably."
Shortly after, Aspinall was made aware of Gane's remarks, and the heavyweight star sent a stern warning to 'Bon Gamin', saying: "Did he say the word deep waters?" He then added: "Everybody who said the word deep waters gets knocked out in the first minute." When asked if Gane has the potential to push him into deep waters, Aspinall responded: "I do not think I am better than anybody. I think that every fight I go into, I really respect my opponent. Especially Ciryl. I think there is this notion in the media that and the fans that Ciryl is maybe not that good - which is complete bull****.
READ MORE: Legendary kickboxer dies aged 55 as tributes paid to iconic trainerREAD MORE: Tom Aspinall's dad reveals truth behind UFC star's only defeat"I think he is really good and super-talented. He has been at the top of the division for a number of years which is never easy to do. He has been an interim champion himself. He has obviously had two title shots for the undisputed title as well. I think that people expect it to be an easy fight... I don't expect it to be that at all. I am prepared for a really hard fight."
Despite appearing to suggest a knockout, Aspinall wouldn't object to a five-round battle either. Numerous fans have raised concerns about the Brit's stamina considering his brief average fight duration inside the cage. The heavyweight champion would relish silencing any questions surrounding his fitness. "We're going for a five-round split decision with just jabs. Jabbing your way to a win, and the crowd will be booing after a couple of minutes," he said.
Light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has hinted at a potential jump up to heavyweight and is keen on a possible bout with Jones. Whilst fans would be thrilled to witness the Brazilian take on Aspinall, the Brit himself has clarified the victor of this weekend's showdown will probably face the winner of Volkov's bout with Jailton Almeida - also scheduled to occur at UFC 321.
"I do not know... whatever the UFC want to do," Aspinall responded when discussing his future. "I think it is obvious, they are going to the winner vs winner. Me and Gane versus (Alexander) Volkov and Jailton Almeida. The winner of them and the winner of us I think is going to be for the heavyweight title next."
When is Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane?
Aspinall's showdown with Gane is scheduled to occur on October 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The pair's clash will headline the UFC 321 pay-per-view card. Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also compete at the event - seemingly for the number one heavyweight contender spot. A thrilling light-heavyweight clash between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has been confirmed, while Mitch Raposo is set to square off against Azat Maksum.
The co-main event will see Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern duke it out for the vacant women's strawweight title. TNT Sports subscribers can tune into the preliminary card on TNT Sports 4 and TNT Sports Box Office from 5pm UK time. The main card is slated to kick off at 7pm UK time.
In the headline bout, Gane is expected to make his entrance to the cage first around 9:30pm UK time, with Aspinall hot on his heels. Please note, all fight times are subject to change depending on the duration of the undercard. Fans in the UK and Ireland can exclusively watch the main card live on TNT Sports Box Office for a fee of £19.99.
