Ali Akbar Rosady
Tom Aspinall, the reigning undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, has unequivocally stated his intention to move past the protracted narrative surrounding Jon Jones, as he prepares for his inaugural undisputed title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The British heavyweight expressed a clear desire to concentrate on active competition, aiming to detach himself from the two-year period dominated by an ultimately fruitless pursuit of a fight with the former champion. "I’m over it," Aspinall told CBS Sports, emphasizing his readiness to close that chapter of his career. "I’m definitely over it."
For Aspinall, the pursuit of Jones consumed a significant portion of his career trajectory, occupying mental and emotional bandwidth that he now seeks to reclaim for the pure act of fighting. His attempts to secure a bout with Jones, widely considered one of mixed martial arts’ greatest competitors, proved unsuccessful, as Jones consistently appeared to discredit Aspinall’s legitimacy as a challenger before eventually announcing a brief retirement. This period of strategic evasion by Jones left Aspinall in a state of professional limbo, despite his ascending performance in the heavyweight division.
The journey to becoming undisputed champion was an unconventional one for Aspinall. In November 2023, he stepped into a critical role at UFC 295, accepting a short-notice interim heavyweight title fight against Sergei Pavlovich. This bout was necessitated by Jon Jones’ withdrawal from a scheduled undisputed title defense against Stipe Miocic due to a torn pectoral muscle. Aspinall capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a devastating first-round knockout victory over Pavlovich, securing the interim championship and solidifying his claim as a top contender. This performance not only showcased his formidable striking power and speed but also his mental fortitude under pressure, accepting a high-stakes fight with limited preparation.
Following his interim title victory, the logical progression within the division dictated a unification bout between Aspinall and Jones. However, the UFC opted to re-book the original Jones vs. Miocic undisputed title fight, a decision that generated considerable discussion among fans and media. The rescheduled bout eventually took place, with Miocic, at 42 years old and returning from a four-and-a-half-year layoff, showing signs of ring rust. Jones secured a dominant victory, stopping Miocic easily 370 days after their initial booking collapsed. This outcome, while confirming Jones’ continued dominance, did little to satisfy the clamor for a fresh matchup with Aspinall.
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Despite the clear pathway seemingly opening for a unification, Jones never publicly committed to facing Aspinall. Instead, he engaged in public discourse regarding potential "super fights" against fighters such as Jamahal Hill and Derrick Lewis, matchups widely perceived as less challenging stylistically than a confrontation with Aspinall. He also pursued a more favorable stylistic pairing against Alex Pereira. This series of events culminated in Jones’ abrupt retirement announcement and the subsequent vacation of his heavyweight title in June. This development unexpectedly propelled Aspinall into the position of undisputed champion by default. Aspinall himself learned of the news alongside the general public, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the situation. "I actually found out the same time you did, believe it or not," Aspinall stated, reflecting on his reaction to Jones’ retirement. "We finally get to fight then. Let’s move on."
Throughout this period of uncertainty and perceived avoidance, Aspinall maintained a notably respectful and professional demeanor. His public comments were measured, and his most notable act of playful provocation involved displaying a rubber duck on a UFC broadcast, subtly referencing the notion of Jones "ducking" him. Even in a direct personal encounter with Jones, Aspinall’s approach was characterized by a polite request for the earned opportunity, rather than aggressive confrontation. This adherence to a higher standard, even when faced with one of MMA’s most polarizing figures, reflects Aspinall’s inherent character. "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."
Aspinall’s tenure as interim champion further underscored his professional resilience. He became one of only four fighters in UFC history to successfully defend an interim title, and notably, held the distinction of being the longest-reigning interim champion. While commendable, these achievements also served as reminders of the prolonged limbo he endured, a period he never sought. With the undisputed title now firmly in his possession, Aspinall is poised to shed the constraints of the past two years and actively forge his own legacy within the sport.
His upcoming opponent, Ciryl Gane, presents a significant challenge and a compelling narrative in itself. Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion with a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, has previously contended for the undisputed title on two occasions. His first attempt came against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss in a tactical affair that went the full five rounds. His second opportunity was against Jon Jones at UFC 285, resulting in a first-round submission loss. Gane’s fighting style is characterized by exceptional athleticism for a heavyweight, utilizing fluid footwork, technical striking, and a high volume of diverse attacks. His ability to evade strikes and control distance makes him a difficult puzzle for any opponent. This bout at UFC 321 represents a critical juncture for Gane, offering a chance to "shake misconceptions of his game" and re-establish himself at the pinnacle of the division. For Gane, a victory would not only grant him the undisputed title but also provide significant redemption for his previous title fight losses.
Aspinall’s fighting style, a blend of rapid striking, powerful ground game, and impressive speed for a heavyweight, has earned him a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses. His notable victories include finishes over Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov, in addition to his interim title win against Pavlovich. The matchup with Gane promises a clash of styles: Aspinall’s aggressive, well-rounded attack against Gane’s technical, evasive striking.
The significance of UFC 321 extends beyond the immediate title defense. For Aspinall, it marks the beginning of a new chapter where he controls his destiny as the undisputed champion. His ambition is clear: "I just want to fight. I want to be as active as possible. I’m going to fight as frequently as I can," he stated, outlining a target of three fights within the next 12 months. This commitment to activity reflects his passion for the sport and a desire to maximize his time at the top. "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 underscores a champion ready to define his era through consistent performance and engagement, rather than being defined by the shadows of past rivalries or unfulfilled opportunities. The upcoming bout against Gane is not merely a title defense; it is Aspinall’s definitive statement of intent as the undisputed leader of the UFC heavyweight division.
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