ONGOINGDana White vs Eddie Hearn: every turn in the Fury vs Joshua row

Dana White confirms Ciryl Gane must fight for undisputed UFC heavyweight title

Dana White has confirmed Ciryl Gane will not automatically become undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt. Gane won the interim title in June.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published · Updated · AI-assisted reporting
Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall
Combat Sports UK

Update, 24 September: the UFC has since promoted Gane to undisputed heavyweight champion and booked his first defence against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on 14 November, ESPN reported. Jones v Gane, and the title defence ahead.

Ciryl Gane must fight for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate it, Dana White has confirmed, as reported by Bloody Elbow.

Gane knocked out Alex Pereira in June to win the interim belt and had been expected to become undisputed champion when Aspinall relinquished his title earlier this week.

Aspinall vacated after suffering a further injury during preparations for his comeback. The Brit had already needed multiple eye surgeries following an eye poke by Gane during their UFC 321 fight in October.

Speaking to former UFC fighter Diana Belbita for SportsNet, White indicated that Gane’s return was close. Asked when he would fight again, White replied: “Soon, very soon…”

In this story
Ciryl GaneTom AspinallJosh HokitAlex Pereira
READ NEXTDana White on Billam-Smith's stoppage loss to Cheavon Clarke: 'I thought it was early'Read the next story →

Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing

More MMA from Combat Sports UK

Add Combat Sports UK as a preferred source on Google

The UK fight briefing

The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.

Free. Unsubscribe any time.

Sources