Late last year, former UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane faced Alexander Volkov in a rematch. He surprised fans by abandoning his signature striking-heavy style for a more grappling-focused approach. In the end, the 35-year-old managed to squeeze out a close split decision win. It was during the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that the truth came to light, as he revealed the situation that forced his slow performance.

The French heavyweight claimed he had injured his toes in the first round of the Volkov fight. A day later, he took to social media to share an X-ray of his injury, informing his fans that he had also injured his metatarsals. Now, the No.1 contender is about to fight undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall on October 25 at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. And before the fight, ‘Bon Gamin’ has shared an update about his injury.

Ciryl Gane was really frustrated in the Alexander Volkov fight

Speaking on ‘The Brian Campbell Experience’, the host pressed him about his last outing, expecting a breakdown of his performance. However, Gane decided to share an update about the injury, revisiting how frustrated he was throughout the fight because of it. “Unfortunately, I was really frustrated during this fight because I did a really great camp,” he told Campbell. 

“And unfortunately, I broke my [foot] like, at the very first round, at the minute, something like that. So, I was really frustrated, [but even then] I won,” he added. He described the entire fight as a “bad session,” but he managed to win the fight thanks to his rational thinking. “[I told myself after breaking my toes], ‘Yeah, okay, calm down. [You’ve] got to win even if [you’ve] a [foot] completely broke[n]. So, yeah, enjoy, don’t be too hard [on] yourself.’”

Despite the bad experience, the 6-foot-4 heavyweight found something about himself that he knew already. “So, yeah, some bad sensation, but also good sensation. [It] means I’m a warrior, but I knew that already,” Gane told Campbell. It’s been nearly a year since his injury, which is more than enough time for his foot to recover. Hopefully, he won’t face a similar situation in the upcoming fight, especially with a title on the line.

But even if he doesn’t face such complications, can the French heavyweight beat Tom Aspinall?

Dan Hardy claims Gane’s waiting to be exposed by Tom Aspinall

Ahead of UFC 321, the legend Dan Hardy has made a bold prediction for Aspinall vs. Gane, claiming that the latter is about to get exposed. Speaking on The Outlawed Picks Podcast, Hardy didn’t mince words about how he sees the fight playing out. “I think Tom’s gonna clean his clock. I think it’s gonna be one-sided,” he said.

Hardy broke down Ciryl Gane’s striking and argued that even though the Frenchman is athletic, he lacks the technique and ‘body mechanics’ needed to be a threat. “He’s trying as hard as he can to hit him, but he’s doing it with poor technique,” Hardy explained. He warned that unless Gane fixes the holes in his game, Aspinall’s finishing ability could make short work of him.

 “It’s a piece of his game that needs to be plugged in… that’s where he’s going to get exposed against Tom… because Tom’s got that switch-off power in range.”

From the looks of things, Ciryl Gane has recovered from his injury, but Dan Hardy isn’t ready to bet on the Frenchman’s chances of winning. But do you agree? And do you think Gane’s previous injury will affect his game?