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Tom Aspinall is clearly dedicated to the fight game, so much so that he would even reject a $50 million offer to star in a Netflix show. The 32-year-old is set to return to the Octagon on Saturday night, taking on Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi. Aspinall has not fought since knocking out Curtis Blaydes back in July 2024 in Manchester . He was seemingly destined to fight bitter rival Jon Jones this year, but the American failed to publicly commit to fighting the Brit. Eventually, 'Bones' decided to walk away from the sport and Aspinall was subsequently crowned the undisputed champion. His upcoming clash with Gane has been years in the making. The two stars have traded verbal jabs on multiple occasions as they were linked to fight, but 'Bon Gamin' has been accused of snubbing the clash as he did not want to fight down in the rankings. Gane was then offered the chance to face the Brit again, but turned it down in favour of playing a role in a French Netflix Original film ‘K.O.' The 35-year-old took some time away from the cage before returning to the Octagon last December, defeating Alexander Volkov via split decision. While there is a mutual respect between both Aspinall and Gane, the former seemingly took a swipe at his upcoming rival, insisting he would refuse a $50 million offer to star in a Netflix show while he is still an active fighter. “I wouldn’t do a Netflix Documentary for $50 million while I’m still active in fighting, no chance, you couldn’t pay me enough money to do it. I’m 100% committed to my craft, 100%,” Aspinall told RMC Sport Combat. Gane will undoubtably be Aspinall's toughest test yet inside the cage. The Frenchman has fought for the undisputed title on two previous occasions. He first lost via decision to Francis Ngannou back in 2022, before being choked out by Jones a year later in Las Vegas . Aspinall has been on an absolute tear since signing with the UFC and has only been past the first round once since making his promotional debut in 2020. Nevertheless, Gane is certainly full of confidence and believes he can be the first fighter to take the Wigan warrior into deep waters. The Frenchman's bold remarks came during the UFC 321 media day on Wednesday and just moments later, Aspinall was informed of the challenger's claims - with the heavyweight star sending 'Bon Gamin' a "knocked out" message. "Did he say the word deep waters?" Before adding: "Everybody who said the word deep waters gets knocked out in the first minute." Later asked whether Gane has the ability to take him into deep waters, Aspinall replied: "I do not think I am better than anybody. I think that every fight I go into, I really respect my opponent. Especially Ciryl. I think there is this notion in the media that and the fans that Ciryl is maybe not that good - which is complete bull****. "I think he is really good and super-talented. He has been at the top of the division for a number of years which is never easy to do. He has been an interim champion himself. He has obviously had two title shots for the undisputed title as well. I think that people expect it to be an easy fight... I don't expect it to be that at all. I am prepared for a really hard fight." Aspinall's showdown with Gane is set to take place on October 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The pair's clash will headline the UFC 321 pay-per-view card. Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also compete at the event - seemingly for the number one heavyweight contender spot. A light-heavyweight showdown between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has also been announced, while Mitch Raposo will take on Azat Maksum. The co-main event sees Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern going head-to-head for the vacant women's strawweight title. The broadcast of the preliminary card will be available for TNT Sports subscribers to watch on TNT Sports 4 and on TNT Sports Box Office for anyone to watch in the UK and Ireland from 5pm (12pm ET / 9am PT / 11am CT). The main card is scheduled to get underway at 7pm UK time (2pm ET / 11am PT / 1pm CT). In the main event, expect Gane to make the walk to the cage first at around 9:30pm UK time (4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT / 3:30pm) with Aspinall to follow immediately after. The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete. Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the main card exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.99.
