On Saturday, we get a loaded UFC 321 fight card from Abu Dhabi that promises to deliver must-watch fights. It all ends in the main event where undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall makes his first title defense against No. 1 contender Ciryl Gane in the heavyweight title fight.
This heavyweight championship showdown between Aspinall and Gane carries massive implications — the winner solidifies themselves as the true king of the heavyweight division in the post-Jon Jones era.
We'll break down our Aspinall vs. Gane prediction and UFC 321 expert pick below, including PrizePicks UFC picks and key stats for this championship heavyweight battle.
UFC 321 Pick: Aspinall vs. Gane Preview for Heavyweight Title Fight
Tom Aspinall (15-3) has been destructive in his recent UFC run, securing back-to-back first-round knockout victories over Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes. His last outing at UFC 304 in July 2024 was particularly impressive, as he finished Blaydes in just 60 seconds to defend his interim heavyweight title before being promoted to undisputed champion.
In contrast, Ciryl Gane (13-2) has quietly rebuilt his momentum after falling short in previous title challenges, riding a two-fight winning streak into this championship opportunity. The French striker most recently defeated Alexander Volkov via split decision in December 2024, though the verdict was controversial, with many observers feeling Volkov deserved the nod.
Find more UFC 321 picks and predictions here, including every main card fight.
If this fight plays out on the feet, then we are going to be in for an absolute clinic at the highest level of heavyweight striking.
Aspinall possesses explosive finishing power with an average fight time of just 2 minutes and 2 seconds in the UFC, while “Bon Gamin” brings elite-level Muay Thai with technical footwork that allows him to pick opponents apart from range.
Both fighters move like middleweights trapped in heavyweight bodies, creating a stylistic dream matchup that the division has rarely seen.
Aspinall and Gane have combined for 21 UFC finishes, with the British champion landing an absurd 8.07 significant strikes per minute at 67% accuracy — the highest rate in heavyweight history — while Gane's varied striking arsenal and footwork make him one of the most difficult puzzles to solve in the division. It'll be thrilling to see if these two elite strikers live up to the hype and deliver a Fight of the Year candidate at the Etihad Arena.
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane Start Time & Stats
UFC 321 is set for an early start time in the U.S., with Aspinall vs. Gane heavyweight title fight in the main event to cap the fight card. A title fight in the middle of the day? Does it get any better than that?
UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane Start Time, How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
- Time: Main Card – 2 p.m. ET | Aspinall vs. Gane Start Time – 4 p.m. ET (estimate)
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- TV: ESPN+ PPV
Tom Aspinall Stats for UFC 321
Overall Record: 15-3
UFC Record: 8-1
Last 5 Fights: 4-1
Height: 6'5"
Reach: 78”
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 8.07
Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 3.27
Last Fight: Win vs. Curtis Blaydes by KO/TKO in round 1
Finishes: 15 (11 KO/TKO/4 SUB)
Ciryl Gane Stats for UFC 321
Overall Record: 13-2
UFC Record: 10-2
Last 5 Fights: 3-2
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 81”
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 5.26
Takedowns Landed Per 15 Minutes: 0.70
Last Fight: Win vs. Alexander Volkov by Decision
Finishes: 9 (6 KO/TKO/3 SUB)
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane Prediction, Pick for UFC 321
Tom Aspinall has been on an absolute tear through the heavyweight division, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake with lightning-fast finishes.
For as dangerous as Aspinall is with his power, he's remarkably technical and precise with his striking. This combination of speed, power, and accuracy has allowed him to land 8.07 significant strikes per minute at 67% accuracy — both heavyweight division records — making it nearly impossible for opponents to survive once he finds his rhythm.
And with Aspinall possessing exceptional wrestling and submission skills to complement his striking, it creates multiple paths to victory that make him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division. His ability to seamlessly blend striking and grappling has left opponents guessing and ultimately overwhelmed in every recent encounter.
As for Gane, he has quietly worked his way back into title contention after falling short in previous championship opportunities. He has secured back-to-back victories over Serghei Spivac and Alexander Volkov, though his last decision was controversial and showed vulnerabilities in his game that Aspinall could exploit.
“Bon Gamin” represents a unique approach to heavyweight combat. He utilizes elite-level footwork, technical Muay Thai striking, and superior movement that's rare for a 6'4", 247-pound heavyweight, making him one of the most difficult fighters to hit cleanly in the division.
Aspinall vs. Gane Prediction: 7.5 Minutes Fight Time
- Aspinall’s average fight time is 2:02, which is the lowest in UFC history.
- Gane’s average fight time is 14:15.
- The current champ from the United Kingdom has finished all 15 of his wins with 15 coming before 7.5 minutes.
- “Bon Gamin” has finished 9 of his 13 wins with 3 coming in the first round.
Make Aspinalll vs. Gane Picks on PrizePicks
UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane will be broadcast live on ESPN+ PPV from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this Saturday, October 25.
This heavyweight title fight in the main event pits future Hall of Famer Tom Aspinall against three-time title challenger Ciryl Gane as they both look to close the show emphatically at UFC 321.
You can win real money by locking in your UFC 321 predictions on PrizePicks — from the first fight of the night all the way to the light heavyweight main event. Pick your fighters, and win cash if you're right.
Just go to the PrizePicks MMA board, pick two or more UFC fighter projections, lock in your Lineup, and cash in if your picks are on point.
