Ciryl Gane’s Road Back to the Heavyweight Belt

By Ali Hammad July 28, 2025 12:03

Ciryl Gane’s journey back to the UFC heavyweight belt is a compelling narrative of resilience, strategic growth, and determination to reclaim his place at the summit of mixed martial arts. As of mid-2025, Gane stands as the No. 1 contender in the UFC heavyweight division, preparing for a pivotal title shot against current champion Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, an event loaded with high stakes and intense anticipation.

At 35 years old, Gane's professional MMA record stands at 13 wins and 2 losses, a testament to his skill and sustained competitiveness over nearly seven years in the sport. Notably, he has secured six wins by knockout and three by submission, showcasing his versatility inside the Octagon. His fights average around 2.7 rounds, reflecting a blend of patience and finishing ability that is rare among heavyweights.

Gane's road back to the title has been marked by two heartbreaking championship near-misses. His first shot ended with a unanimous decision loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 in January 2022, where he struggled with Ngannou’s overwhelming power but demonstrated his technical striking acumen. Soon after, in March 2023, Gane faced Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight championship but was submitted in the first round a humbling setback against one of MMA’s all-time greats. These defeats exposed areas for improvement, primarily in his grappling defense and ground game.

Since then, Gane has shown marked improvements, most recently earning a split-decision victory over Alexander Volkov in December 2024, where his striking precision and footwork outmaneuvered the veteran opponent. This win showcased his evolution into a more well-rounded fighter, blending movement, technical striking, and defensive grappling, all critical for championship success.

Gane’s fighting style is often described as the most technical in the heavyweight ranks. His reach of 83.1 inches and height of 6'4" allow him to control distance effectively, making it difficult for opponents to engage on their terms. He combines Muay Thai background prowess with calculated distance management a rarity in a division often dominated by brute force.

Quotes from Gane reveal a fighter humbled by losses yet fiercely focused on his goal. He has openly acknowledged the need to sharpen his grappling but remains confident in his ability to make history as the first French UFC heavyweight champion. “This journey has been about learning and growing. Every fight is a lesson, and I’m ready to show the world my best,” Gane said during a recent media session.

The upcoming fight against Aspinall, who holds an explosive style and strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu credentials, presents both a stylistic and strategic test. Experts anticipate a clash between Aspinall’s power and wrestling versus Gane’s striking finesse and movement. For Gane, this fight is more than a title shot; it is a statement of redemption and ultimate proof that he has addressed the gaps that cost him earlier chances.

Beyond statistics and physical attributes, Gane’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and technical mastery. His path reflects a fighter willing to adapt, learn from defeat, and push the boundaries of his craft. Should he succeed at UFC 321, Ciryl Gane will not only win the heavyweight belt but will have firmly established himself among MMA’s elite a testament to his hard work and strategic evolution inside the unforgiving cage.