Gane Walks Back Aspinall 'Fragile' Comments

UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane has clarified his recent criticism of Tom Aspinall, insisting reporters misunderstood his assessment of the former titleholder's mental state.

Gane defends against Josh Hokit this Saturday at UFC 334 in Madison Square Garden. He claimed the lineal belt after Aspinall relinquished it to heal eye injuries from their October 2025 clash at UFC 321, which ended in a no-contest when Gane accidentally jabbed fingers into both of Aspinall's eyes.

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Champion Clarifies 'Emotional' Label Ahead Of UFC 334

At Thursday's media day, Gane explained his previous description of Aspinall during a camp breakdown with his team. He told BJPenn.com that emotional response patterns, not weakness, were what his coaches studied when preparing. "The good word was emotional, not fragile," Gane said of his opponent's tendencies.

The Frenchman pointed to Aspinall's public campaign after UFC 321 as evidence of heightened reactions. Gane said his own position became difficult as accusations of intentional fouling spread online, though he maintains no need to justify himself to critics.

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Aspinall has been sidelined since UFC 321 and has labeled Gane a cheater multiple times on social media. The Brit has not announced a comeback timeline, but a rematch looms if Gane wins Saturday and Aspinall clears medical protocols.

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• BJPenn — Ciryl Gane walks back calling Tom Aspinall ‘mentally fragile’ ahead of UFC 334