Video footage purportedly showing Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane sparring together — with Aspinall wearing protective gear — has leaked online, fueling speculation about a potential rematch between the two heavyweight contenders.
Unverified video footage appearing to show UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and ranked contender Ciryl Gane sparring together has surfaced online, reigniting speculation about a potential rematch between the two fighters. Aspinall is reportedly visible wearing protective headgear in the clip, though neither camp has officially confirmed the footage or any plans for a second meeting.
Aspinall, 33, holds a 15-3 record and currently sits as the UFC heavyweight champion, ranked sixth in the pound-for-pound standings. The Englishman out of Team Kaobon is one of the most prolific strikers in the division, landing an exceptional 7.63 significant strikes per minute at a 67 percent accuracy rate — numbers that stand out even at the elite level. Standing six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach, he also contributes on the ground with 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Gane, nicknamed Bon Gamin, is the second-ranked heavyweight contender and enters any potential rematch with a 14-2 record. The 36-year-old Frenchman from MMA Factory is known for his technical striking and unusual athleticism for the division. He stands six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach — an advantage in the range department — and lands 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy. His ground output is modest, with fewer than one takedown per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Aspinall is the reigning heavyweight champion, meaning Gane's second-ranked status makes him a natural title challenger
- A rematch would carry significant divisional weight at the top of the heavyweight rankings
- Both fighters are orthodox strikers with above-average technical ability, pointing to a compelling stand-up matchup
- The unconfirmed nature of the footage means no official bout agreement should be assumed at this stage
