Dana White confirms Ciryl Gane must fight for undisputed UFC heavyweight title

Dana White has confirmed Ciryl Gane will not automatically become undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt. Gane won the interim title in June.

Ciryl Gane must fight for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate it, Dana White has confirmed, as reported by Bloody Elbow.

Gane knocked out Alex Pereira in June to win the interim belt and had been expected to become undisputed champion when Aspinall relinquished his title earlier this week.

Aspinall vacated after suffering a further injury during preparations for his comeback. The Brit had already needed multiple eye surgeries following an eye poke by Gane during their UFC 321 fight in October.

Speaking to former UFC fighter Diana Belbita for SportsNet, White indicated that Gane’s return was close. Asked when he would fight again, White replied: “Soon, very soon…”