Aspinall accepts Gane's Paris rematch challenge after spotting illegal elbows in Pereira KO

Tom Aspinall accepted Ciryl Gane’s open challenge for a heavyweight title rematch in Paris in September, hours after watching Gane knock out Alex Pereira in the second round at UFC White House on Sunday to claim the interim heavyweight title.

Aspinall has been sidelined since October, when an eye poke ended his first meeting with Gane and the bout was ruled a no-contest. Watching the rematch build-up fight from his YouTube channel, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion was impressed by Gane’s performance — but not without reservations.

“He looked good,” Aspinall said of Gane. “I have to watch that again. Looked like there was a lot of illegal elbows going on. Illegal punches but generally he looked good.”

Aspinall had flagged the issue in real time as Gane swarmed Pereira near the finish. “[The elbows] look a bit illegal,” he said during the broadcast. “They look very illegal. What is going on? Dropped him with a jab and he’s swinging now trying to finish him.”

Gane ultimately ended the fight with a standing knockout, the referee stepping in to stop Pereira absorbing further punishment. The win was a significant statement: Pereira had entered the card as one of the UFC’s biggest stars, with CEO Dana White suggesting a victory would make him the greatest of all time and the first three-division champion in company history.

None of that materialised. Instead, Gane — without naming Aspinall directly — made clear he wants the rematch on home soil when the UFC returns to Paris in September.

Aspinall did not hesitate. “Paris in September? I’ll do that,” he said. “Let me know. I don’t mind. I’ll go to Paris. Let me know. I’ll be there.”

Aspinall has not yet confirmed he has been medically cleared following his eye surgery, but his willingness to commit to a September date suggests he is closing in on a return to settle unfinished business with Gane.