While both fighters command immense respect, a former undercard competitor predicts Ciryl Gane may struggle against Tom Aspinall this weekend. Khalid Taha, who appeared on the same UFC Paris card as Gane, shared his thoughts ahead of his Oktagon 75 clash with Edgar Delgado Jimenez on September 13th.
Taha Leans Toward Aspinall in Heavyweight Clash
Taha joined Bowks Talking Bouts and reflected on his fight on the UFC Paris card headlined by Ciryl Gane versus Tai Tuivasa. When asked about the heavyweight title bout between Aspinall and Gane at UFC 321 on October 25th, he commented:
“Honestly, both are very, very well-rounded and talented heavyweights. Both move like welterweights. They are both huge monsters and I like the striking of both, but I’m leaning towards [Tom] Aspinall,” Taha said.
He added, “Aspinall is, in my eyes, a more aggressive fighter. He’s looking more for the finish. Ciryl Gane moves a lot.”
Taha praised Gane’s skill set: “He moves very nicely, very well. He has very good boxing, very good kicks, sidekicks, teeps, everything. But I see Aspinall in his total prime. He’s going to go forward and go for the finish, I think.”
Aspinall Aims to Be an Active Champion
Tom Aspinall plans to secure his first undisputed UFC title defense after defending the interim strap last year. He also wants to establish himself as a regularly active champion.
The UK fighter referenced his long wait to face Jon Jones, a saga that delayed his championship plans. Aspinall subtly criticized the former champion, highlighting the prolonged title unification uncertainty.
During an interview with UFC Europe, Aspinall explained his excitement to return after over a year of inactivity. He told Bloody Elbow:
“I’ve always been in the gym, but it’s nice to have a goal — to have an opponent. I just want to be the champion who fights often, regularly, and fights the best guys.”
He added, “I don’t wanna be one of those guys who take big breaks in between, ’cause that’s what happened. Nothing to do with me.”
Aspinall concluded, “I’m ready to put a stop to that — be active, be an active champion, be a defending champion, and fight the best guys, number one contenders. And that’s what a champion should do — fight the number one contenders.”
