Is Tom Aspinall the scariest UFC heavyweight ever? The Brit currently holds the record for the shortest average fight time, which is just 2:02. On top of that, he boasts the highest knockdown average per 15 minutes (4.09) on the active UFC roster. If that’s not terrifying enough, the reigning heavyweight champ has finished every single opponent he’s faced. With stats like these, it’s no surprise fans are picking him to steamroll Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. But there’s one thing everyone seems to overlook. Experience.

Yes, when a fighter carries more experience in certain aspects than their opponent, it can create real openings to win a fight. And in this case, Ciryl Gane has proven he can go the distance, having fought through multiple five-round battles. Something Tom Aspinall hasn’t done yet. Because of that, former two-division champ Daniel Cormier believes ‘Bon Gamin’ might hold a slight edge in the later rounds against the heavyweight king in Abu Dhabi.

Daniel Cormier points out Ciryl Gane’s advantage against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 

In an interview with ESPN MMA, ‘DC’ said, “Tom Aspinall has proven to be one of the most exciting heavyweights that we have seen in a real long time. But in Ciryl Gane you have a guy that has more experience, more 5-round experience, and more title fight experience than Tom Apsinall. So I think it makes for a very interesting fight. Especially seeing the skill set of the two fighters.”  

Daniel Cormier isn’t wrong here. Truth be told, Ciryl Gane, after losing to Jon Jones at UFC 285, has shown solid progress in his game. Especially, he displayed improved grappling against Sergei Spivac in their 2023 Fight Night bout in Paris, where he brutally knocked the Moldovan out after escaping the takedown attempts.  Then, although controversial, the Frenchman looked sharp while handling Alexander Volkov at UFC 310 as well. So, he definitely has the experience of fighting deep into rounds without gassing out as the fight drags on.

In that regard, Gane definitely holds a potential edge over Tom Aspinall. However, whether it truly becomes an advantage is something we’ll only find out if Gane manages to survive the early rounds against the British knockout machine, who also claims he’s ready to go all five rounds if needed.  

Although most fans believe Tom Aspinall will retain his belt on October 25th, a few doubts have started to creep in. And just like Daniel Cormier, who suspects Gane could become more dangerous in the later rounds, Dustin Poirier has echoed the same sentiment, joining the tune of those who think the Frenchman might have a late-fight edge. 

Dustin Poirier echoes Daniel Cormier on UFC 321 headliner analysis  

And just like ‘DC’ pointed out, Dustin Poirier also mentioned that ‘Bon Gamin’ might have a better gas tank than Tom Aspinall, and that could be the real turning point. Well, although the former interim lightweight champ knows it’s a heavyweight fight and anything can happen, he still believes Gane can hold his composure and keep his breath in a five-round war.

The Diamond’ told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, “Besides from a shot that Tom didn’t see and him getting put away… 4-ounce gloves, heavyweights, anything could happen. Besides that, I think that going to the later rounds, we have no clue. If Aspinall is gasping for air in the fourth or fifth round, I think Gane has the skills or experience to put him away, to step on the gas, to hurt him, to take the chances, especially fighting a gassed opponent.”  

Well, although Dustin Poirier acknowledged that the challenger might hold a certain edge, the now-retired lightweight legend still couldn’t help but pick Tom Aspinall in this matchup, probably because of the knockout power he has. He added, “So, the latter minutes of this fight are going to be huge. If I had to make a pick, even though I said I’m not 100% sold on Tom Aspinall. I think he’s gonna win this fight.”

So, with UFC 321 just days away, fans and experts have already started picking their favorites for the main event. That said, who do you think will walk away with the shiny gold belt? Is it Aspinall or Gane? Let us know in the comments section below.