Tom Aspinall Verbally Accepts Interim Champion Ciryl Gane’s Challenge for a Rematch at UFC Paris in September

Tom Aspinall is ready to rematch Ciryl Gane to unify the UFC heavyweight titles after the Frenchman's win on Sunday.

Tom Aspinall Verbally Accepts Interim Champion Ciryl Gane’s Challenge for a Rematch at UFC Paris in September

Tom Aspinall is ready to rematch Ciryl Gane [via MMA Fighting]

Tom Aspinall appears ready to revisit his unfinished business from UFC 321 with Ciryl Gane. The inaugural British heavyweight champion has been on the shelf for months while recovering from a serious eye injury. Even so, he remains undeterred from keeping a close eye on the developments in his division especially ones that concern his nemesis.

Gane captured the interim heavyweight title in impressive fashion on the White House card. The French heavyweight knocked out former double champion Alex Pereira in the second round after a flurry of strikes. He spoiled the Brazilian’s heavyweight debut and his pursuit of becoming the first man to hold three UFC belts. Nonetheless, Gane’s attention quickly turned elsewhere after the victory.

The two-time interim champ called for a second meeting with Aspinall after thwarting ‘Poatan’ on Sunday. His first encounter with the Brit at UFC 321 ended in controversially after repeated eye pokes left the undisputed champion unable to continue.

The bout was ultimately ruled a no contest, leaving plenty of questions unanswered regarding the matchup. Speaking after the event, Gane suggested that the UFC’s planned return to France in September would be an ideal setting for the rematch.

No direct message. We have unfinished business. As soon as possible, like I like to say, in Paris for example is a good idea, but I know let the staff of the UFC work on it.

Ciryl Gane via the UFC Freedom 250 post-fight press conference

Aspinall wasted little time in responding. The UFC heavyweight champion has not competed since the first fight with Gane back in October last year. That was preceded by a year of inactivity as he chased a fight against Jon Jones. Despite those setbacks, the 33-year-old indicated that a September showdown in Paris is something he is willing to work with.

Paris in September? I’ll do that. I’ll go to Paris. Let me know. I’ll be there.

Tom Aspinall via social media

The undisputed and interim champions have more than just a UFC title fight to settle as they appear to disagree on the severity of the eye poke and subsequent injury. The Frenchman had earlier claimed that the undisputed champion had exaggerated his reaction to the double eye poke despite needing injections in his eyes. As such, Aspinall has also accused Gane of being a dirty dirty fighter after their bout.

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Tom Aspinall calls out Ciryl Gane for ‘illegal’ strikes

While Tom Aspinall appears willing to grant Gane the rematch, he has not backed away from criticism of his rival. Tensions have lingered since their first meeting ended in a no contest, with Aspinall repeatedly blasting Gane for the eye pokes that resulted in his injury and subsequent surgery. It is difficult to argue this stance with the existence of a highlight reel of Gane’s most controversial moments.

Tom Aspinall gets eye poked against Ciryl Gane
Tom Aspinall gets eye poked against Ciryl Gane (via X)

On his YouTube channel, Aspinall suggested that several of Gane’s follow-up blows may have landed to the back of Pereira’s head. Such strikes are prohibited under the Unified Rules of MMA. Even so, referee Herb Dean did not intervene and the result stood without controversy from officials.

They look a bit illegal. They look very illegal. What is going on? Dropped him with a jab… He looked good. I have to watch that again. It looked like there was a lot of illegal elbows going on and illegal punches, but generally he looked good.

Tom Aspinall via his YouTube channel

Many MMA fans echoed Aspinall’s sentiments online. While few discredited Gane’s win over Pereira, most fans simply pointed out the sheer amount of “illegal” strikes landed by the Frenchman. However, Herb Dean deemed them legal on the night as Gane beat Pereira. As such, Tom Aspinall will have a shot to address all his grievances with the interim champion once he returns to the octagon.

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