Alex Pereira has offered his take on the UFC 321 heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, suggesting the Frenchman’s style could make it a far tougher contest than many expect.
Aspinall, who defends his belt on October 25 in Abu Dhabi, has torn through his last three opponents – Curtis Blaydes, Sergei Pavlovich and Marcin Tybura – in just over three minutes combined. Many predict another quick finish, but Pereira believes Gane’s movement and evasive style could frustrate the champion.
“Tom is a complete fighter, but he’s fought a lot of aggressive guys,” Pereira said ahead of his UFC 320 rematch with Magomed Ankalaev. “Gane moves a lot, he’s cautious, and that might frustrate Tom. It could go into the later rounds.”
Aspinall, meanwhile, insists he is ready for all possibilities, including the prospect of Gane testing his much-criticised wrestling.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to take me down,” Aspinall told Bloody Elbow. “Ciryl has had holes in his ground game, but he’s improved. I’m preparing for everything – grappling, striking, whatever it takes. I’ll take the path of least resistance on the night.”
The clash at Etihad Arena marks Gane’s third bid for UFC gold, while Aspinall looks to cement his reign with another dominant display.
