When asked about Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, UFC CEO Dana White had a clear answer: “It’s the biggest fight we can make.” His statement holds true, as this clash is currently the biggest fight the promotion can book. However, where does the situation stand? Simply put, the ball has yet to move from its original position. As the heavyweight dilemma persists, former title challenger Ciryl Gane has stepped forward with an important update regarding his comeback.
Tom Aspinall is waiting, Jon Jones remains unresponsive, and Dana White appears troubled. But guess who has stepped forward, expressing his willingness to return to the Octagon? Sharing a series of his workout routines on his X handle, Ciryl Gane has come forward to manifest his desire to step back to the Octagon. He captioned it with, “Can’t wait to go back in there.”
The last time the Frenchman stepped into the heat of the Octagon was at UFC 308, where he faced the Russian powerhouse Alexander Volkov—and oh, was it a controversial one. Ciryl Gane was outstruck by ‘Drago’ in that fight and when the fight was finally over ‘Bon Gamin’ was in a gloomy mood until the judges scored the fight in his favor. When the decision was read, the official loser, Gane, who had even walked out of the cage anticipating a loss, looked confused as boos echoed around the venue.
Can’t wait to go back in there pic.twitter.com/jsmCzzhcw5
— Ciryl Gane (@ciryl_gane) March 16, 2025
Volkov was perplexed by the decision as Gane hurried out of the Octagon but later came back to speak with Joe Rogan. At the press conference, ‘Bon Gamin’ emphasized that his performance was not what he was expecting from himself, “It was really tight, he did a really great job. I know I had him in some danger; that’s maybe why the judges chose me.”
He further added, “I broke my toes, so I’m not happy with the fight. The first kick, I broke my toes. Anyway, no excuse. I got a win, but I’m not happy.” Well, despite the controversial decision, Gane still holds the victory and is looking to come back. Well, do you know who inspired the Frenchman to embrace fighting? Let’s find out.
English boxer became Ciryl Gane’s inspiration to pursue MMA
With a career record of 13 victories and only 2 defeats, Ciryl Gane is one of the best heavyweights to ever compete in MMA. His only losses have come against none other than Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones—two of the biggest heavyweight stars in the sport’s history. Despite these setbacks, Gane boasts a stacked resume with wins over elite fighters such as Alexander Volkov, Derrick Lewis, Sergei Spivac, and many more. So, who inspired the French fighter to pursue MMA? Well, it was none other than former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua
While having a conversation with Red Corner MMA, Ciryl Gane explained that he wanted to replicate what Joshua did in boxing.“When I started doing Muay Thai, I remember I did exactly the same [as] Anthony Joshua,” Gane said. “Like damn, this guy is so f—– good! ‘I want to be like him!’. I remember saying… ‘okay, let me do some push-ups like this! I want to be like him!’It was a motivation, and everybody needs that, to have a target.”
Like Joshua, Ciryl Gane is looking to clinch the heavyweight title. However, as the entire division is in dilemma right now things are uncertain for him. ‘Bon gamin’ wants to face someone at the top for his next battle but who will be it? Will it be a trilogy fight against Alexander Volkov or will any other heavyweight come forward to face the Frenchman? State your thoughts in the comments below.
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