Tom Aspinall reacts Ciryl Gane ghosting him at UFC Paris: ‘I’m not a bully, I won’t force it’

The No. 4-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight contender is no a bully.

Ciryl Gane picked up a masterclass win at UFC Paris yesterday (Sat., Sep. 2, 2023), putting on a striking clinic against Sergei Spivac, eventually finishing him in the second round via technical knockout from inside Accor Arena in Paris, France (watch highlights). "Bon Gamin" received a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus for the monster finish, too.

Immediately after his win, Gane was asked during his in-cage interview who he wanted to fight next, and it was mentioned that Tom Aspinall — who was sitting cageside — wanted to fight the winner of the fight.

Gane appeared to not care whatsoever and didn't even acknowledge the surging European Heavyweight.

“You know what, my mission, whoever it is, is to go forward,” Gane said through an interpreter. “I failed at getting the belt, so my mission is to get the belt, and that is what I’m going to do going forward.”

Aspinall — who went to Paris looking for a fight — seemed a little disappointed that Gane didn't accept his open challenge.

"I'm not a bully, if you know what I mean,” Aspinall told The Mac Life. “If he doesn't want the fight, I won't force it on him. I wanted to go into the cage, [but] UFC didn't want me to go into the cage. If he wants the fight, it's here; if he doesn't want the fight, we'll see. I know I'm a bad matchup for him. I think stylistically it's a good matchup for me, but if he doesn't want it, I understand."

The top of UFC’s Heavyweight division is kind of a mess at the moment, but at the same time, it is the best it has been in awhile. With Jon Jones defending the title at UFC 295 against former champion, Stipe Miocic, and No. 1 contender, Sergei Pavlovich, serving as the backup fighter, that leaves Gane and Aspinall without opponents. Oh, Curtis Blaydes and Jailton Almedia also throw down this November.

So, Maniacs, what should the matchmakers do?

For complete UFC Paris results, coverage and highlights click HERE.