Dana White Announces Tom Aspinall’s Next Opponent After Jon Jones’ Retirement

The heavyweight division of the UFC is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter, and at the center of it is Tom Aspinall, ready to make his first title defense. With the retirement of Jon Jones, UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Aspinall will be taking on Ciryl Gane, sparking a high-stakes fight that may reshape the division.
Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane: UFC Heavyweight Title Fight Confirmed

Now that Jon Jones has taken a step back from the fray, the UFC did not hesitate to remake its heavyweight landscape. The promotion has officially announced that interim champion Tom Aspinall will be putting his belt on the line against French challenger Ciryl Gane. This news arrives during increasing fan hype and represents a pivotal point in the post-Jon Jones era of the UFC.
Ciryl Gane Eyes Redemption With Third Title Shot
Ciryl Gane, known for his smooth footwork and technical striking, is no stranger to title bouts. Despite facing criticism for his recent performances, the French heavyweight remains a formidable force. Gane recently revealed, “We’ve been in discussions with the UFC for a while,” indicating both sides are fully on board for this heavyweight showdown.
Tom Aspinall Wants Activity and Legacy in UFC
British behemoth Tom Aspinall has been outspoken on his desire to remain busy. Tired of waiting too long for opportunities, he stressed:
“I want to fight soon. I want to fight several times in 2025. Let’s not waste time.“
Aspinall’s remark is a testament to his eagerness to secure his legacy and maintain the pace after quickly climbing the UFC ranks. The UFC appears to have heeded his call, accelerating this blockbuster encounter in response to both fan support and the champion’s impatience.
England vs France: Heavyweight Rivalry with Global Stakes
Apart from the championship stakes, Aspinall vs Gane is an intriguing England vs France rivalry. This stylistic and geographical encounter gives viewers a storybook battle: Aspinall’s well-rounded MMA style against Gane’s world-class striking toolset. It’s a fight bigger than gold, it’s international pride and international positioning in the UFC pecking order.
UFC Eyes Major PPV Event for Aspinall vs Gane
Although the official date and location are yet to be announced, insiders of the industry believe that Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane is likely to top a big UFC pay-per-view event sometime in 2025. With both contenders prepared and Dana White’s confirmation on board, fans can hope to hear an official announcement anytime soon.
The Future of UFC’s Heavyweight Division Post-Jon Jones
With the departure of Jon Jones, the heavyweight division is going through a revolution. Tom Aspinall, with his energetic skillset and drive, is becoming the symbol of this revolution. A win over Gane would not only confirm his position but also end speculation regarding his role as a temporary champion.
Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane views this as his golden chance to earn UFC gold for the very first time and also shut down his critics.
ALSO READ: TSK vs MINY MLC 2025: Du Plessis, Ferreira, And Hosein Guide TSK To Convincing Win