UFC 321: Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane – Preview and Prediction

The UFC heavyweight division takes center stage at UFC 321 as Tom Aspinall defends his undisputed heavyweight title against France’s Ciryl Gane. The event takes place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and promises a high-level clash between two of the most technical big men in the sport.

Tom Aspinall has quickly established himself as one of the most complete heavyweights in UFC history. After Jon Jones retired, Aspinall was promoted to undisputed champion, following a dominant run where he showcased explosive striking, crisp boxing, and strong grappling. On the other side, Ciryl Gane enters his third attempt to capture the undisputed title after falling short against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Known for his slick footwork and Muay Thai-based striking, Gane remains one of the most technical fighters in the division.

Tale of the Tape

Stat	Tom Aspinall	Ciryl Gane
Age	32	35
Record	15-3	13-2
Height	6’5″ (196 cm)	6’4″ (193 cm)
Reach	78 in (198 cm)	81 in (206 cm)
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
Nationality	England	France

Fight Breakdown

Tom Aspinall brings speed, precision, and finishing instinct rarely seen in the heavyweight division. Every one of his UFC wins has come via finish, and his ability to mix boxing combinations with quick takedowns makes him a nightmare for slower opponents. His calmness under pressure and composure in exchanges make him dangerous from the opening bell.

SHOP: Kickboxing Pads

Ciryl Gane, meanwhile, possesses elite striking fundamentals and movement that resemble a middleweight more than a heavyweight. His jab, leg kicks, and range control are excellent, and when allowed to dictate pace, he looks nearly untouchable. However, his ground defense has been a recurring issue, as seen in his losses to Ngannou and Jones, both of whom capitalized on grappling exchanges.

Key Factors

Speed and explosiveness: Aspinall’s quick entries and combinations can disrupt Gane’s rhythm early.
Distance control: Gane will rely on movement, kicks, and angles to stay away from Aspinall’s power.
Grappling: If Aspinall takes the fight to the ground, Gane could again find himself in trouble.
Championship pressure: Gane’s experience in big fights could help, but Aspinall’s momentum and confidence are sky-high.

Prediction

This matchup feels like a showcase for the new era of heavyweights — agile, technical, and powerful. While Gane’s striking is smoother, Aspinall’s overall skill set is more complete. Unless Gane keeps it strictly at range, Aspinall’s pressure and finishing instinct will likely be too much.

Prediction: Tom Aspinall defeats Ciryl Gane via TKO (Round 2)