Tom Aspinall, known for being one of the fastest finishers in the world of MMA, faces a new challenge this Saturday at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. He will defend his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane, raising questions about Aspinall's ability to endure a longer fight if necessary. This topic has generated considerable buzz, especially in the lead-up to what many expect to be an electrifying main event.
During the media day on Wednesday, both fighters addressed the concerns surrounding Aspinall's in-cage longevity. Gane suggested that he might employ a strategy aimed at extending the fight beyond the initial rounds. “Everybody knows my strength,” Gane stated confidently. “I can manage my distance and go into the second round, but if I want, I can also push hard in the very first round. Maybe I’ll take Tom Aspinall into the deep waters.”
Gane's comments reflect a tactical mindset, given that Aspinall has finished all of his opponents within the first 90 seconds of Round 1 during his current three-fight win streak. In fact, only one of Aspinall's eight UFC victories, veteran Andrei Arlovski, managed to reach Round 2 before being finished shortly after. In stark contrast, Gane has gone the distance multiple times, having seen the scorecards in five of his twelve UFC appearances.
When Aspinall was asked about Gane’s strategy during the media scrum, he responded with amusement. “Did he actually use the word deep waters?” he said, chuckling. “Everyone who says ‘deep waters’ ends up getting knocked out in the first minute. Go back and check the media that you’ve done. I’m pretty happy with that.” Aspinall’s light-hearted response reflects his confidence in his finishing ability and his belief in his fighting style.
This title defense marks Aspinall's first as the undisputed heavyweight champion, a status he achieved following the retirement of Jon Jones in June. Prior to this, Aspinall was the interim heavyweight champion, successfully defending that title against Curtis Blaydes in just 60 seconds back in July 2024. Currently, Aspinall is a significant favorite, with odds hovering around 5-to-1 on FanDuel, leading many to view this bout as a routine defense for the 32-year-old champion.
Despite the betting odds and public sentiment, Aspinall is careful not to underestimate Gane. “I don’t think I’m better than anybody,” he emphasized. “I really respect my opponent, especially Ciryl. This notion that he’s not very good is just complete nonsense. He’s super talented and has been at the top of the division for years.” Aspinall acknowledges Gane’s achievements, including his status as an interim champion and two title shots for the undisputed title.
When pressed about his capability to handle longer bouts, Aspinall humorously suggested that his team’s strategy might involve aiming for a decision victory, which could frustrate fans at the Etihad Arena. “I’ve shown my ability to secure quick finishes,” he said. “But we’ve got one of the best heavyweight teams in the world, and we’ve discussed switching it up this time.”
“We’re going for a five-round split decision,” Aspinall continued jokingly. “Just jabs. The crowd will be booing after a few minutes, and we’ll maintain a slow pace for five rounds. That’s the plan.” While this statement was made in jest, it underscores Aspinall's readiness to adapt to any situation in the octagon.
As UFC 321 approaches, all eyes will be on Tom Aspinall as he defends his title against Ciryl Gane. With questions surrounding his ability to go the distance and Gane’s strategic mindset, this heavyweight clash promises to deliver excitement and intrigue. Fans eagerly await to see how this matchup unfolds and whether Aspinall can continue his streak of spectacular finishes or if Gane can push him to new limits.
