England’s Tom Aspinall is set to defend his UFC heavyweight title against French challenger Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 this Saturday. Aspinall, who became the undisputed champion following Jon Jones’ retirement, aims to secure his first title defense in the octagon.
Despite the unusual circumstances that led to his title, Aspinall feels like a true champion. He expressed his desire for a flawless victory over Gane in Abu Dhabi, highlighting his preference for dominating the fight without taking any hits.
With Jones retiring before facing Aspinall, the English fighter has already bested many top contenders in the division, paving the way for a potentially long and successful reign. However, Aspinall recognizes the inherent unpredictability of the heavyweight division, emphasizing the importance of avoiding powerful strikes and maintaining a dominant position in fights.
Aspinall, standing at 6ft 5in and weighing 255 pounds, is known for his dynamic fighting style, combining boxing skills with Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise. His quick fight finishes reflect his ability to end matches decisively.
In his upcoming bout with Gane, Aspinall plans to assert his dominance early on while staying out of compromising positions. He remains adaptable, ready to excel in both striking and grappling scenarios, with a focus on conserving energy for potential five-round battles.
Confident in his abilities, Aspinall envisions a victory not only to solidify his status as the undisputed champion but also to establish a reign in the heavyweight division. He aims to navigate the challenges of one of MMA’s most unpredictable weight classes with skill and determination.