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2 minutes This isn't the first time Gane has declined a bout with the British heavyweight, who expressed his disappointment recently on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour.
Tom Aspinall has been exchanging a war of words with heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane again.
The current interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall, is searching for a challenger to face at UFC 304 in Manchester on July 27. This is on track to be one of the biggest MMA betting events of 2024!
On Tuesday, social media was abuzz with speculation that Gane declined a match with Aspinall, leaving fans puzzled about the reason 'Bon Gamin' was unavailable.
It turns out Gane will be occupied with filming a Netflix movie this summer.
Aspinall appeared to confirm these rumours by asking his followers on X – previously known as Twitter – “Does anyone know what movie Cyril is shooting?”
A source told that Gane refused the UFC 304 fight with Aspinall due to his filming commitments. This isn't the first time Gane has declined a bout with the British heavyweight, who expressed his disappointment recently on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour.
"He’s dismissed me on multiple occasions, and I’m not the first guy he’s dismissed,” Aspinall said.
"I’m not the first guy that he’s ducked. It’s out there for people to see.
“The reason that I got the [Sergei] Pavlovich fight is because Ciryl didn’t want it. He ducked Pavlovich. He then ducked Curtis Blaydes. Curtis Blaydes has been on record saying that.
“I asked for him years ago. He didn’t want it then. Then I asked for him in Paris. They flew me over, we tried to make that fight. He didn’t want it then, and we’ll see what the UFC wants to do.”
Gane reputed these rumours, responding:
“Tom Aspinall, I never, ever say no to any challenge or any opponent.
“Blaydes was never an option. They said Pavlovich, I said yes.
“Don't worry, I'll see you in September, stop tripping.”
The UFC is scheduled to host an event in Paris on September 28.
Having headlined Dana White's initial two events in France, it appears probable that Gane will feature prominently once more.
At this point, it's uncertain whether Aspinall would consider a swift return to the ring after UFC 304, or if he's willing to engage in further talks with Gane.
Regardless, a showdown between them in the octagon seems inevitable at some stage.
