Aspinall Shifts Focus to Gane at UFC 321, Ending Two-Year Pursuit of Jones for Undisputed Heavyweight Crown

Tom Aspinall, the newly minted undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, is poised to make his first title defense against France’s Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The highly anticipated bout, scheduled to headline the pay-per-view event at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue, marks a pivotal moment for Aspinall, who has openly expressed his desire to move past the protracted saga involving former champion Jon Jones. For nearly two years, Aspinall found himself embroiled in a frustrating pursuit of a unification bout with Jones, a chapter he now definitively closes as he prepares to forge his own legacy atop the heavyweight division.

"I’m over it," Aspinall stated in an interview with CBS Sports, reflecting on the prolonged narrative surrounding Jones. "I’m definitely over it." This sentiment underscores a clear shift in focus for the British heavyweight, who has consistently articulated a desire for active competition above all else. His upcoming clash with Gane represents not just a title defense, but a liberation from the speculative narratives that have overshadowed his impressive rise through the ranks.

The journey to undisputed status for Aspinall has been anything but straightforward. His path was intricately linked with the unpredictable career trajectory of Jon Jones, widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Jones, after dominating the light heavyweight division for years, made his much-anticipated move to heavyweight in March 2023, where he swiftly captured the vacant title by submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round at UFC 285. This victory set the stage for what was expected to be a legacy-defining clash against former two-time champion Stipe Miocic, tentatively booked for UFC 295 in November 2023.

However, fate intervened. Just weeks before UFC 295, Jones was forced to withdraw from the Miocic fight due to a torn pectoral muscle. This unforeseen development created an immediate vacancy at the top of the heavyweight card. Stepping in on short notice, Aspinall seized the opportunity, facing formidable contender Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight championship. Aspinall delivered a spectacular performance, dispatching Pavlovich via knockout in just 69 seconds, securing the interim belt and solidifying his claim as a top contender. This victory, achieved under immense pressure and with minimal preparation, further amplified calls for a unification bout with Jones.

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Despite Aspinall’s clear claim as the interim champion, the UFC opted to re-book the Jones vs. Miocic undisputed title fight for UFC 309, which eventually took place 370 days after its initial scheduling. This decision left Aspinall in a precarious position, an interim champion awaiting a unification opportunity that seemed perpetually out of reach. Throughout this period, Jones made several public statements that appeared to dismiss Aspinall’s credentials as a legitimate threat, often floating the idea of "super fights" against other prominent, yet less immediate, challengers such as Derrick Lewis and Jamahal Hill, or even a move to face Alex Pereira. These suggestions were largely perceived by the MMA community as an attempt to circumvent a matchup with Aspinall, whose skillset and momentum posed a significant threat.

The delay culminated in Jones’ eventual clash with Miocic at UFC 309. Miocic, at 42 years old and coming off a four-and-a-half-year layoff, appeared to be a shadow of his former self. Jones secured a dominant victory, stopping Miocic with a body shot knockout, further extending his legendary career but doing little to quell the demand for a fight against Aspinall. The expectation was that a unification bout would finally materialize.

However, the path cleared in an unexpected manner. In June, Jon Jones announced his brief retirement from the sport and subsequently vacated the undisputed heavyweight title. This sudden development, which Aspinall himself learned of concurrently with the public, officially elevated Aspinall to the undisputed champion by default. "I actually found out the same time you did, believe it or not," Aspinall recounted. "We finally get to fight then. Let’s move on." This response encapsulates his single-minded focus on fighting rather than the politics surrounding it.

Aspinall’s approach throughout the Jones saga was marked by a notable degree of respect and professionalism, a stark contrast to the often-combative rhetoric common in fight promotion. While he did famously flash a rubber duck on a UFC broadcast, a subtle jab at Jones for allegedly "ducking" him, his public conduct remained largely composed. Even in a direct, in-person encounter with Jones, Aspinall maintained his composure, simply requesting the opportunity he believed he had earned. "I didn’t actively have an idea of how I’d approach it. I approached it in my usual way," Aspinall explained. "I guess that’s just the way I am. I don’t know. I didn’t try to do anything. I was doing things the only way I know how, which is by being myself." This measured approach solidified his reputation as a respectful, yet determined, competitor.

Aspinall’s interim reign was noteworthy. He became only the fourth fighter in UFC history to successfully defend an interim title, a distinction he achieved by defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, and also held the title for the longest duration. These accomplishments, while commendable, served as constant reminders of the limbo he endured, awaiting a clear path to the undisputed championship. His record currently stands at 14 wins and 3 losses, with 11 knockouts and 3 submissions, showcasing his well-rounded and finishing-oriented style. His speed and agility for a heavyweight, combined with proficient striking and grappling, have made him a formidable presence in the division.

Now, with the Jones chapter closed, Aspinall is eager to embrace his role as the undisputed champion and dictate his own schedule. His upcoming opponent, Ciryl Gane, presents a significant challenge. Gane, with a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, is renowned for his exceptional striking technique, fluid movement, and evasive style. The French fighter has previously competed for the undisputed heavyweight title twice, first losing to Francis Ngannou in a unification bout at UFC 270, and then to Jon Jones for the vacant title at UFC 285. His dominant striking record includes 5 knockouts, and his only losses have come against two of the most dominant heavyweights in recent memory.

For Gane, this bout at UFC 321 carries immense significance, representing a potential "now or never" moment to shake off perceptions stemming from his two previous title fight losses. His performance against Ngannou, while a decision loss, showed resilience and a developing ground game. However, his swift submission defeat to Jones raised questions about his grappling prowess under pressure. A victory over Aspinall would not only grant him the undisputed title but also re-establish him as an elite, complete heavyweight capable of solving any puzzle.

Aspinall’s vision for his championship reign is clear: activity. "I just want to fight. I want to be as active as possible. I’m going to fight as frequently as I can," he affirmed, setting an ambitious target of three fights within the next 12 months. "I don’t know how that’ll look because you never know what life will throw your way. But I want to get back to what I do, and what I do is fight people." This declaration signals a champion eager to define his era through consistent performance and dominant victories, rather than being defined by the controversies of others. His first undisputed title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 is not just another fight; it is the definitive opening of Tom Aspinall’s championship chapter, free from the shadows of past drama.