Tom Aspinall will reportedly defend his heavyweight belt at UFC 321 as opponent and date leaked

A new report has emerged regarding the first defence of Tom Aspinall's UFC heavyweight title, with a date and opponent being revealed.

Aspinall, who was recently crowned the UFC undisputed heavyweight champion after Dana White confirmed the retirement of Jon Jones, recently announced that an announcement is imminent regarding the first defence of his belt.

Speaking in an interview with Eurosport, the Salford-born fighter gave an insight into negotiations. “As far as signed, I can’t remember the last time that I physically signed a contract, they just ask me and I say yes and that’s it," he said.

“Usually I sign the contract on fight week, contracts actually don’t mean too much, the UFC ask you, you say yes, the verbal contract is all anybody needs from me."

For weeks, heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane has been the leading contender.

And on Tuesday evening, a report from Red Corner MMA claimed Aspinall will defend his heavyweight title against Gane on October 25 at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.

Aspinall, who held the interim title for over a year before being crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion, last fought in July 2024 against Curtis Blaydes – a bout he won in the opening round at UFC 304.

The 32-year-old recently confirmed he plans on being active in 2025.

"I'm going to be fighting hopefully twice this year, that's my plan," Aspinall said on the Diary Of A CEO podcast.

"I think I've wasted enough time now, we're looking for a quick fight booked and it's looking like it's going to be pretty soon anyway and then hopefully goes well in the first one, I'm uninjured which is easier said then done."

Aspinall also name-dropped Ciryl Gane as he opened up on his next possible opponent.

"I've actually fought most of the guys in the Top 10. One of the guys I've not fought is Ciryl Gane," he said. "I was actually chasing that fight a few times before, he was ducking and diving around himself a little bit, so he is due a little bit of a beating off me, I look forward to that."

Tom Aspinall is the UFC heavyweight champion. Image credit: Getty

He added: "Couple of more guys down the ranking, a Brazilian guy Jailton Almeida I've not fought, there's a guy I've already beat Alexander Volkov, who's doing really well for himself as well, so who knows."

Gane recently expressed his thoughts on a potential fight with Aspinall.

"My manager talked to the matchmaking, with Hunter [Campbell] I know they work on it this week, and we keep in touch," he said on UFC Unfiltered. "Nothing fixed yet, we’re just waiting for more discussions and maybe a location and date. We are really confident of this fight happening."