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In a recent exchange of words in the MMA sphere, Ciryl Gane has emphatically refuted UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's allegations of ducking, urging him to "stop tripping" with such claims.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Aspinall made assertions that Gane had been avoiding fights with him and other contenders in the division. However, Gane swiftly responded to these claims on Twitter, setting the record straight regarding his willingness to take on any challenge thrown his way.
"I never, ever say no to any challenge or any opponent," Gane addressed Aspinall. "Don’t worry, I’ll see you in September. Stop tripping."
Gane's recent performances in 2023 have showcased his resilience and skill in the heavyweight division. Despite a setback against Jon Jones at UFC 285, where he was submitted in the first round for the vacant title, Gane bounced back with an impressive victory over Serghei Spivac at UFC Paris, securing a second-round TKO.
Aspinall, on the other hand, sought a fight with Gane after witnessing his dominant performance against Spivac. However, the matchup never materialized, leading Aspinall to pursue the interim heavyweight title against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, a fight he won via first-round stoppage.
While Aspinall eyes a potential rematch with Curtis Blaydes for his first title defense, the dynamics between him and Gane have been fraught with claims of avoidance. Aspinall asserts that Gane turned down fights not only with him but also with Blaydes and Pavlovich.
"He’s dismissed me on multiple occasions, and I’m not the first guy he’s dismissed," Aspinall stated, highlighting past attempts to secure a bout with Gane.
The UFC landscape remains dynamic, with potential matchups constantly shifting. Aspinall's desire for a showdown with Gane adds another layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division, with fans eagerly anticipating how the situation unfolds in the coming months.