Overview
- Tom Aspinall defends the undisputed UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
- ESPN commentator Jon Anik called this one of the biggest pressure spots in UFC history, framing the bout as a key test of Aspinall’s championship legitimacy.
- Aspinall’s newly released sparring footage drew fan critiques that his chin was high during exchanges, though supporters argued public training clips can be misleading.
- Aspinall said he would vacate the belt rather than face close friend and training partner Ante Delija, who entered the UFC top 10 after a debut knockout and fights again next week.
- He acknowledged a past ‘really dark’ period in which he nearly quit the sport and also said a prime Daniel Cormier would be a nightmare matchup, while asserting his short UFC fights leave opponents with limited film to study.