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Ciryl Gane Secures Third Shot at Undisputed Heavyweight Title Against Tom Aspinall By [BBC Sport Correspondent] Paris/Abu Dhabi—French heavyweight mixed martial artist Ciryl Gane is set to make his third attempt at capturing the undisputed world title, as he prepares to face reigning champion Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on 25 October. Gane, known for his unique footwork and technical precision, represents a new breed of heavyweight competitor, blending the speed of a lighter division fighter with the power inherent to the sport's heaviest weight class. The matchup against the explosive British champion is seen by many analysts as the defining bout for the future direction of the division, determining whether technical finesse or a blend of speed and wrestling dominance will prevail at the 120kg limit. The title shot was solidified following Gane’s recent split decision victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310 in December 2024, a win that underscored his position as the division's consensus number one contender after the retirement of former champion Jon Jones. For Gane (13 wins, 2 losses), this opportunity is critical, offering a chance to correct the narrative of his previous title challenges, both of which resulted in defeat. Born in La Roche-sur-Yon, France, Gane's journey to elite combat sport is unusually brief. Unlike many fighters who begin training in childhood, Gane transitioned to mixed martial arts relatively late, having first pursued a promising career in professional football and basketball. It was Muay Thai that first captured his attention in his early twenties, and in just two years, he established an undefeated kickboxing record before making the full-time shift to MMA under the tutelage of coach Fernand Lopez in Paris.
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His rapid ascension earned him the nickname 'Bon Gamin' (Good Kid), reflecting his polite demeanor outside the cage, which stands in stark contrast to his clinical efficiency inside it. Gane’s fighting style is what truly distinguishes him in the heavyweight ranks. Historically, the division has been dominated by fighters relying on overwhelming knockout power and physical size. Gane, however, utilises constant lateral movement, educated feints, and high-volume striking, resembling a middleweight more than a traditional heavyweight. With an impressive striking accuracy rate and low strikes absorbed per minute—statistics almost unheard of at this weight—he embodies the concept of "hit and not be hit. " This cerebral approach has been cited by analysts as 'Heavyweight 2. ' Despite his technical supremacy on the feet, Gane’s career has been punctuated by two significant setbacks in championship contests. His first unification attempt against then-champion Francis Ngannou in January 2022 resulted in a unanimous decision loss, primarily due to Ngannou’s successful execution of takedowns in the later rounds, exposing an early deficiency in Gane’s wrestling defence.
The second, and more dramatic, loss came in March 2023 against the returning Jon Jones, who secured a swift submission victory via a guillotine choke in the very first round, highlighting the need for extensive work on his grappling foundation. This perceived vulnerability has become the central talking point ahead of the clash with Aspinall, who possesses elite, high-level wrestling skills and explosiveness, complementing his own devastating striking power. Analysts suggest the outcome of UFC 321 will hinge on Gane’s defensive improvements. "Ciryl Gane is a phenomenal striker, possibly the best technical striker the heavyweight division has ever seen," stated veteran MMA analyst Alex Pereira, offering a perspective on Gane’s capabilities. "But Tom Aspinall offers a unique combination of speed and wrestling threat. Gane has worked hard, and he needs to ensure the grappling threat does not paralyze his signature offence. " Conversely, Gane’s camp and some other fighters remain confident in his capacity to adapt. Brazilian heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida previously suggested Gane possessed "other life priorities" that affected his focus, yet Gane's coach Fernand Lopez has consistently defended his charge, claiming that Gane is a "computer" who rapidly absorbs coaching.
The focus, according to reports from the MMA Factory in Paris, has been on eliminating the gaps exploited in his previous losses, particularly against the high-pressure takedowns he is expected to face. The bout at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will serve as a crucial barometer for the evolution of the heavyweight division. Should Gane succeed, it would not only cement his legacy as an undisputed world champion but also validate the 'Heavyweight 2. 0' model of technical, fluid fighting over raw aggression. Should he fall short for a third time, questions regarding his ability to overcome the wrestling deficiencies at the highest level may become definitive. Regardless of the outcome, the contest stands as a pivotal moment, pitting two highly modern, agile heavyweights against each other in a genuine clash of styles for the division’s most prized possession.
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