Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has weighed in on Cyril Gane and the current heavyweights in the UFC, offering his insights on the division’s top fighters.
Cyril Gane’s Upcoming Return
Cyril Gane is set to make his return to competition soon, facing the towering Russian Alexander Volkov at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26. The main event will feature Ilya Topuria, the featherweight champion, defending his title against former champion Max Holloway.
Tom Aspinall’s Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Recently, UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall secured a first-round TKO victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC Manchester. This win marked his third consecutive victory, following previous knockout victories against Sergei Pavlovich in just 69 seconds in November and Marcin Tybura in 73 seconds in July.
Jon Jones remains the undisputed champion in the division, having won the title by submission against Cyril Gane in the first round at UFC 285. Jones was slated to defend his title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November but withdrew due to a chest injury. He is now expected to face Miocic later in the year upon his return.
Kamaru Usman “angry” with Ciryl Gane?
Kamaru Usman’s Perspective on Cyril Gane and the Heavyweight Division
During a recent episode of his Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman shared his thoughts on the heavyweight division:
“Among the active heavyweights in the UFC, I truly believe Tom Aspinall is the best. Jon Jones is the greatest MMA fighter we’ve ever seen, the GOAT, but seriously, I think Aspinall’s speed sets him apart from other heavyweights. To me, he should be ranked ahead of Jon Jones in this division.
“Aspinall has also shown he can submit his opponents. For instance, he took Alexander Volkov, the tallest man in the division, to the ground and got him in a choke. He’s really good. He’s won multiple times by submission and has wrestling skills… I have no doubts about him now. Jon Jones will have to find a way to overcome him with his intelligence.
“Some people want to see Aspinall fight Cyril Gane. I like Cyril Gane too and appreciate his style, but I truly believe that Tom Aspinall would be a step too far for him. Aspinall is too complete.”
Currently, Cyril Gane is ranked second, just behind Tom Aspinall. It remains to be seen if he will maintain this position when he faces number three-ranked Alexander Volkov.
