UFC CEO Dana White has clarified that Ciryl Gane will not automatically become the undisputed heavyweight champion following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the title this week.
Aspinall relinquished the UFC heavyweight championship after his ongoing injury concerns left questions surrounding his return to competition. Gane, who held the interim heavyweight title, was subsequently at the center of discussions regarding the division’s championship situation.
Speaking with Diana Belbita of Sportsnet, White was asked whether Gane’s interim championship would automatically be converted into an undisputed title following Aspinall’s departure.
“Does it make him the undisputed champion? No. He's still got to fight,” White said.
Dana White Provides Update on Tom Aspinall’s Return
During the interview, Belbita also asked White whether he knew when Aspinall would be ready to return to action.
White admitted that he did not have a definitive timeline for the English heavyweight’s comeback, pointing to his recovery as the determining factor.
“I don't. You know, obviously whenever he feels healthy again, whenever his eyes are healed, then we're ready for him,” White said.
Ciryl Gane Expected to Fight Soon
When asked when Gane would return to the Octagon, White indicated that the interim champion is expected to compete in the near future, although the promotion’s plans could depend on how Aspinall’s situation develops.
“Soon. Very soon. I mean, we'll see how this whole thing plays out with Aspinall,” White said.
The UFC president continued by confirming that Gane would fight while acknowledging the circumstances surrounding the heavyweight title change.
“You know, Ciryl will fight, and we'll see who becomes the champion,” White said.
White also characterized the situation as an unfortunate but familiar occurrence in the sport.
“I mean, this isn't like this is the first time this has ever happened. This is nothing new. This happens sometimes. It's unfortunate. Not the best outcome, but it is what it is.”
