Dana White: Ciryl Gane Must Fight Again to Become Undisputed UFC Champion

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane will not automatically be promoted to undisputed champion following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the title.

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has been sidelined since suffering an eye injury during his heavyweight title fight against Gane (14-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) at UFC 321 last October.

With Aspinall unable to compete, Gane went on to claim the interim heavyweight championship by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.

Gane still has to earn the undisputed title

A rematch between Aspinall and Gane appeared to be the UFC’s preferred option. However, Aspinall remains unfit to return to competition and has officially vacated his championship.

Speaking publicly about the situation for the first time since the announcement, White made it clear that Gane will have to win another fight before he can become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

“Does it make Gane the undisputed champion? No. He’s still gotta fight,” White told Sportsnet.

The UFC chief added that Gane’s next bout would be announced “very soon.” The fight is expected to determine the promotion’s new undisputed heavyweight champion.

“We’ll see how this whole thing plays out with Aspinall,” White said. “Ciryl will fight, and we’ll see who becomes the champion. This isn’t the first time this has ever happened. It’s happening right now with Valentina Shevchenko too.

“This happens sometimes. It’s unfortunate and it’s not the best outcome, but it is what it is.”

Alex Pereira fuels rematch speculation

Pereira (13-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) recently sparked speculation about an immediate rematch with Gane after posing for a photo following a meeting with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell.

Since losing at UFC Freedom 250, Pereira has repeatedly expressed frustration with the way the fight unfolded. He has accused Gane of landing several punches to the back of his head.

The meeting with Campbell has only intensified rumors that Pereira could receive another opportunity to face the interim champion.

Who could face Ciryl Gane next?

Pereira is not the only possible opponent for Gane.

Alexander Volkov is ranked second in the UFC’s official heavyweight media rankings, directly behind the Frenchman. Sergei Pavlovich occupies the No. 3 position, while fourth-ranked Josh Hokit could also emerge as a contender.

The UFC has yet to confirm Gane’s opponent or the date of the fight, but White’s comments suggest an announcement is imminent. Whoever steps into the Octagon against Gane is likely to compete for the vacant undisputed heavyweight championship.