Tom Aspinall Confronted by Ciryl Gane’s Coach Before Heavyweight Showdown

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Fernand Lopez argue over Aspinall's Ciryl Gane ducking accusations.

Tom Aspinall Confronted by Ciryl Gane’s Coach Before Heavyweight Showdown

Tom Aspinall and Fernand Lopez exchange words (via MMA Mania, Geo Super)

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UFC 321 is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched events of the year, with multiple high-stakes matchups on the card. Among them, the heavyweight main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane has drawn significant attention because the title is on the line after almost a full year. Aspinall was recently seen talking to Gane’s coach, Fernand Lopez, regarding some statements about the Frenchman.

Lopez is widely regarded as a controversial figure in MMA. He has built a reputation for outspoken commentary and a confrontational approach. He often makes headlines for his trash-talking of other fighters and former students, including former champion Francis Ngannou. Lopez was also accused of domestic violence by PFL star Cedric Doumbe back in 2023.

The confrontation between Lopez and Aspinall occurred in the fighter’s hotel just days before UFC 321. The French coach can be seen confronting the champion regarding his claims that Gane ducked him for a title fight in 2024. However, Aspinall explained his side of the story and revealed that he would never disrespect Gane without any reason. Lopez understood Aspinall’s side of the story and shook hands.

The British champion and Gane were involved in an online rivalry, constantly accusing each other of “ducking.” Aspinall revealed that he was initially offered a fight against Gane at UFC 304 instead of Curtis Blaydes. However, according to Aspinall, Gane declined the offer as he was preparing for a movie role on Netflix. Lopez later revealed that the news was true, as Gane had already committed to filming his role.

‘Bon Gamin’ added to the conversation when he revealed that he never received any contract to fight Aspinall and that the British superstar had avoided a fight against him as he was pursuing the Jon Jones fight. Gane last fought at UFC 310, where he defeated Alexander Volkov via split decision in their three-round bout to put his name up for title contention.

Lopez’s comments directed at Aspinall in the final days of fight week could be an attempt to disrupt his focus and provoke an emotional reaction before the first round begins. UFC 321 could have significant implications for the heavyweight division. A successful title defense by Tom Aspinall would reinforce his status as a dominant champion, while a victory for Ciryl Gane could pave the way for a new title picture.

Ex-UFC heavyweight talks about Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane

UFC 321 acts as a pivotal moment for Aspinall, who did not get to fight for his undisputed status. Instead, he had to defend his interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 and wait for the then-champion Jon Jones to accept his callout. However, after Jones retired, Aspinall was promoted to the heavyweight champion from his interim position without even entering the Octagon.

Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 321
Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 (via MMA Mania)

Ciryl Gane, on the other hand, is coming off wins over Alexander Volkov and Serghei Spivac. However, the Frenchman had also lost to Jon Jones at UFC 295, which pushed him down from title contention. Jones returned after three years and showcased why he is the best by submitting Gane in Round 1. Brendan Schaub recently spoke about how Aspinall may have to replicate the same performance at UFC 321.

Schaub’s comments undoubtedly stem from Aspinall’s pursuit of a bout against Jones that put the entire UFC heavyweight division in limbo. Jones constantly refused to fight Aspinall, even though he was the interim champion and fought an aging and rusty Stipe Miocic before retiring and relinquishing the title. UFC 321 is also a stage for Tom Aspinall to prove all his doubters wrong by defeating Ciryl Gane.

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