Tom Aspinall is planning to be right up front, a keen observer at the Ciryl Gane vs. Serghei Spivac duel at UFC Paris this weekend.
The English heavyweight is chomping at the bit to square off against the victor as he aims to edge closer to a heavyweight championship opportunity.
Just a couple of months ago, in July, Aspinall dispatched Marcin Tybura in a single round and is already scouting for his next adversary in the Octagon.
“There’s not a lot of fuss here; I’m eyeing two prime targets,” said Aspinall. “It’s either the winner of the Gane vs. Spivac fight or a brawl with [Sergei] Pavlovich.”
Ciryl Gane, a former title contender, is looking to re-establish his winning record, this time in front of a home crowd, against Moldova’s Spivac at the main event in Accor Arena.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones is slated to defend his UFC heavyweight belt against Stipe Miocic on November 11 in the Big Apple. Sergei Pavlovich is on deck as the replacement fighter in case either competitor withdraws.
Aiming for the Pinnacle
Aspinall, bouncing back from a year-long layoff due to a knee injury to defeat Tybura, also has plans to be in the audience for that championship bout. He’s adopting a more public-facing strategy in his quest for high-profile fights, and being in the front row for the Gane vs. Spivac match is part of that game plan.
After a knee injury temporarily sidetracked his flawless UFC journey, Aspinall claims he’s returned as a reborn combatant.
“It’s like I’m two different fighters—the one before the knee injury and the one after,” Aspinall revealed. “In my mind, there’s zero doubt. I’m going to be the UFC heavyweight champ. I always had this belief, but now it’s unshakable.”
The Undercard Drama
Beneath the headline act in Paris, Tyrone’s Caolan Loughran and Ballymena’s Rhys McKee are also slated to compete. McKee, 27, is returning to UFC after being dropped by the organization in 2020 and will be going toe-to-toe with Ange Loosa in a welterweight clash.
On the other hand, Loughran has had to navigate a last-minute opponent switch-up. Initially scheduled to face Yanis Ghemmouri, Loughran will now go up against France’s Taylor Lapilus due to a series of withdrawals leading up to fight week. Loughran, also 27, is looking to stretch his unbeaten streak to nine as he steps into the Octagon against Lapilus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tom Aspinall
What is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is Tom Aspinall’s plans to challenge the winner of the upcoming UFC bout between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac. Aspinall is keen on taking his career to the next level and is looking to secure a heavyweight championship opportunity.
Who are the fighters Tom Aspinall is interested in fighting next?
Tom Aspinall has set his sights on two potential opponents: the winner of the Ciryl Gane vs. Serghei Spivac match or Sergei Pavlovich, who is the back-up for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic championship bout.
When and where is the Ciryl Gane vs. Serghei Spivac fight happening?
The fight between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac is set to take place at UFC Paris, at the Accor Arena, over the weekend.
What is Tom Aspinall’s recent fight history?
Tom Aspinall most recently defeated Marcin Tybura in July, stopping him in just one round. This win came after a year-long layoff due to a knee injury.
What has changed in Tom Aspinall’s approach after his knee injury?
After recovering from a knee injury, Tom Aspinall says he feels like a “new fighter.” He’s become more publicly assertive in pushing for high-profile fights and plans to be cageside for relevant matches, including the Gane vs. Spivac bout.
Who are featured in the undercard of the UFC Paris event?
The undercard in Paris features fighters like Rhys McKee, who is making his return to the UFC, and Caolan Loughran, who is making his UFC debut. Both are 27 years old, and while McKee faces Ange Loosa in a welterweight match, Loughran squares off against Taylor Lapilus.
What last-minute changes have happened in the undercard?
Originally, Caolan Loughran was set to fight Yanis Ghemmouri. However, due to several withdrawals in fight week, Loughran will now be fighting France’s Taylor Lapilus instead.
What are Tom Aspinall’s long-term career goals?
Tom Aspinall is quite clear about his ambitions. He firmly believes he will become the UFC heavyweight champion. While he always had this belief, it’s become “unshakable” after recovering from his knee injury.
More about Tom Aspinall
- Tom Aspinall’s Official UFC Profile
- Ciryl Gane’s UFC Stats and Profile
- Serghei Spivac’s Career Highlights
- Marcin Tybura vs. Tom Aspinall Fight Recap
- Upcoming UFC Events
- Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: What to Expect
- Rhys McKee’s Comeback Story
- Caolan Loughran’s Cage Warriors Legacy
- Heavyweight Championship Overview
8 comments
Great article but where’s the tech in all this? Maybe next time you guys could dive into how these fighters are using tech for training or something.
Gane in front of his home crowd is gonna be a sight to see! But Aspinall might just steal the limelight if he gets that next fight.
Didn’t kno Aspinall was such a strategist. Dude’s not just brawns but brains too. Pulling a ringside seat to scout future opponents? Smart move.
I’m just here for the walkout songs. Seriously, that’s a crucial part of the drama, dont underestimate it. Wonder what Aspinall’s pick will be?
The undercard looks pretty packed too. McKee and Loughran both at 27, what’s the odds! Seems like a night full of talents on the rise.
Interesting to see how fighters reinvent themselves after an injury. Aspinall seems more determined than ever. its like watching the sequel of a blockbuster movie.
Man, Aspinall is on fire these days! Can’t wait to see him in the octagon with either Gane or Spivac. This dude’s got future champ written all over him.
Aspinall or not, UFC’s got my Saturday night booked. Just need my snacks and I’m game for whatever drama unfolds in that octagon.