As UFC 321 approaches, the heavyweight division is finally ready to break off years of uncertainty, and Ciryl Gane finds himself at the center of attention. The Frenchman fell short twice where he was expected to shine – once against Jones, and before that, against Francis Ngannou. Will the third time be the charm?

With undisputed champion Tom Aspinall defending his title for the first time against ‘Bon Gamin’ on Saturday, the division faces a fresh start after a period of controversy and inactivity. Fans have been left wondering who would step up and restore clarity, and Gane’s recent words suggest that he is prepared to address both the division’s frustrations and Jon Jones‘ lingering shadow.

Ciryl Gane goes candid on Jon Jones

For more than four years, the UFC heavyweight division had been shrouded in uncertainty, largely due to Jon Jones’ reign at the top. Despite holding the title, Jones frequently postponed fights, vacated belts, and left top contenders like Ciryl Gane waiting in the wings. Fans witnessed the division’s stagnation as interim titles were defended, and questions about rightful contenders remained unanswered.

UFC 321 provides a rare opportunity to restore order, with Tom Aspinall defending his undisputed title against Gane. Reflecting on the frustration of waiting for a clear path, Gane said on The Brian Campbell Experience, “We say with the coach, every month we say, ‘Hey, we are here. We are ready to go in the cage.’ We keep training. We keep training, and we are here.”

He further added, “So, yeah, unfortunately, this last two, three years, he was a little bit slow. That’s true.” Through his words, ‘Bon Gamin,’ he emphasized the pain felt by top contenders who waited for title matches that never happened due to factors beyond their control. Ciryl Gane also addressed Jones’ repeated mispronunciation of his name as “Surreal Gain,” as he said with a smile, “Surreal Gain is okay. That’s okay.”

The division’s journey to this point has been chaotic, to say the least. After Francis Ngannou dethroned Stipe Miocic, excitement grew surrounding the heavyweight crown, only for Jon Jones‘ return and victory over Gane for a vacant title to stir controversy. ‘Bones’ then retired after beating an over-the-hill Stipe, rather than fight Aspinall, leaving the Brit as the undisputed champion and putting an end to the lingering questions about the belt.

UFC 321 will be the first time in years that the division is completely aligned and prepared for serious competition. Though challenges remain, most notably a lack of heavyweight star power beyond Aspinall, UFC 321 provides an opportunity to reset and reinvigorate fan interest in the heavyweight division. However, chances are that even this fight may prove to be a lackluster bout, as one UFC legend claimed it will be nothing but a ‘one-sided’ clash.

UFC legend claims UFC 321 will expose Ciryl Gane

With the heavyweight division finally aligned, Ciryl Gane will fight Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 under intense pressure. While the fight promises to bring clarity and excitement back to the division, UFC legend Dan Hardy has questioned Gane’s ability to handle the challenge. The former fighter believes the Frenchman’s striking and body mechanics make him vulnerable to an opponent with Aspinall’s range and power.

Hardy stated on The Outlawed Picks Podcast: “He’s trying as hard as he can to hit him as hard as he can, but he’s doing it with poor technique, which is why he’s not generating the force he should.” Gane’s tendency to stay light on his feet rather than completely commit to his strikes might prove to be expensive, especially given Aspinall’s switch-off power in close range.

The 43-year-old even prophesied, “I think Tom’s gonna clean his clock. I think it’s gonna be one-sided,” though he noted that the adjustment could be made if ‘Bon Gamin’ adapts. Despite Ciryl Gane’s experience with title fights, Dan Hardy feels Aspinall’s mix of size, technique, and confidence will expose flaws that the Frenchman has yet to address.

UFC 321 may be about more than just the heavyweight title; it might determine Gane’s future in the division and showcase if he can finally step up or continue to fall short under the spotlight. So, who do you think will win the fight? Will the main event of the night help the heavyweight division recover from Jon Jones’ reign of lethargy? Let us know in the comments.