Both fighters earn immense respect, but former undercard competitor Khalid Taha predicts Ciryl Gane may struggle against Tom Aspinall. Taha, who fought on the UFC Paris card headlined by Gane, shared his views ahead of his Oktagon 75 clash with Edgar Delgado Jimenez on September 13th.
Taha Sees Aspinall as Aggressive Threat
Taha joined Bowks Talking Bouts and reflected on his experience on the UFC Paris card against Tai Tuivasa. When asked about UFC 321’s heavyweight title fight between Aspinall and Gane, he said:
“Honestly, both are very, very well-rounded and talented heavyweights. Both move like welterweights. They are both huge monsters and I like the striking of both, but I’m leaning towards [Tom] Aspinall,” Taha explained.
He continued, “Aspinall is, in my eyes, a more aggressive fighter. He’s looking more for the finish. Ciryl Gane moves a lot.”
Taha praised Gane’s skill set: “He moves very nicely, very well. He has very good boxing, very good kicks, sidekicks, teeps, everything. But I see Aspinall in his total prime. He’s going to go forward and go for the finish, I think.”
Aspinall Targets Active Championship
Tom Aspinall aims to defend his first undisputed UFC title after previously defending the interim strap last year. He also wants to fight more regularly and face the top contenders.
The UK fighter referenced his long wait to face Jon Jones, highlighting the prolonged title unification uncertainty. He subtly criticized the former champion’s handling of the situation.
During an interview with UFC Europe, Aspinall expressed excitement to return after over a year away from competition. He told Bloody Elbow:
“I’ve always been in the gym, but it’s nice to have a goal — to have an opponent. I just want to be the champion who fights often, regularly, and fights the best guys.”
He added, “I don’t wanna be one of those guys who take big breaks in between, ’cause that’s what happened. Nothing to do with me.”
Aspinall concluded, “I’m ready to put a stop to that — be active, be an active champion, be a defending champion, and fight the best guys, number one contenders. And that’s what a champion should do — fight the number one contenders.”
