Aspinall 'cheater' claim his opinion, says Gane

Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane touch gloves before their UFC fight in October 2025

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Tom Aspinall was making his first defence of the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane

ByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalist

Published1 hour ago

Ciryl Gane has responded to being called "a big cheater" by Tom Aspinall, saying it is the UFC heavyweight champion's opinion.

Gane's title fight with Aspinall in October was declared a no-contest after what was deemed an accidental eye poke by Gane, which left Aspinall unable to continue in the first round.

The Briton continued to suffer from double vision, black spots and vertigo, and was diagnosed with a rare condition in both eyes, which required surgery in February.

The 33-year-old was poked more than once and although Aspinall initially felt it was accidental, having watched the fight back he said Gane was "cheating, external from the first second and the way he wanted to win that fight was to have me compromised by cheating".

The 36-year-old Frenchman will face Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on Monday and was asked about Aspinall's comments during the media day.

"That is his opinion," Gane said on Wednesday.

"You have a beautiful, professional referee. The referee told me nothing because I respect the rules.

"It's just an opinion. Everyone's opinion is OK."

Aspinall said last month that he is back in training but is yet to be cleared for contact.

Once fit, he is expected to face the winner of Monday's fight.