Ciryl Gane has sent a clear-cut message to heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall ahead of his major clash with Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday.
The 36-year-old French-born MMA star will return to the octagon this weekend for the first time since his heavyweight title fight against Tom Aspinall in 2025.
Aspinall had to defend his championship against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi and the fight lasted only one round due to a controversial no-contest finish.
Gane accidentally eye poked the 33-year-old British heavyweight and the fight was waved off after Aspinall was unable to continue due to the injury.
READ MORE: Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane: Bloody Elbow staff predict the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event
Ciryl Gane’s position remains clear on Tom Aspinall’s ‘cheating’ claims against the UFC star
Ciryl Gane will challenge for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 this weekend, which could set up a potential rematch with Tom Aspinall.
Aspinall has been out of action since his encounter with Gane and the Salford-born MMA fighter required surgery back in February for a rare condition in both eyes.
However, the UFC heavyweight champion pulled no punches towards Gane after their encounter, with Aspinall labelling the former interim champion a ‘cheat.’
Gane has insisted that the evidence is clear that he did not cheat against Aspinall, with the UFC star refusing to engage in a heated war of words with the Brits.
“That is his opinion,” he said during UFC Freedom 250’s media day, as per BBC Sport.
“You have a beautiful, professional referee. The referee told me nothing because I respect the rules.“It’s just an opinion. Everyone’s opinion is OK.”
READ MORE: Alex Pereira warns Ciryl Gane about fouls ahead of UFC Freedom 250: ‘He needs to do something’
Ciryl Gane’s powerful experience from the Tom Aspinall fight ahead of his clash with Alex Pereira
Gane recalled that he was keen to prove his doubters wrong ahead of UFC 321 after he had been viewed as the serious underdog against heavyweight champ Aspinall.
“Before the Tom Aspinall fight: ‘Oh, wow, Ciryl, you’re gonna die,’” he told ESPN.
“‘Tom is going to kill you, Ciryl, in the first minute of the first round.’ OK. We will see.”
Gane’s clash with Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title will co-main event UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday alongside Ilia Topuria vs…
2026-06-12 14:00:00
