Former champion Michael Bisping sees a finish coming at UFC 321—but not the kind most fans expect. He’s picking Tom Aspinall to submit Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi, rather than score another quick TKO. That prediction landed on Bisping’s channel this week and immediately set the debate on fire across the UFC heavyweight landscape.
“Submission over strikes”: Bisping’s read on the main event
Bisping’s logic is simple: Gane’s movement and rangy kickboxing make clean, early knockouts rarer. But extended exchanges and clinch breaks create entries for Aspinall’s reactive doubles, chain wrestling, and top rides. Once it hits the mat, Bisping expects a rapid transition from strikes to a finish—think arm-triangle or rear-naked. Revisit the matchup page here: Fight: Aspinall vs. Gane.
Why it resonates: stylistic layers at UFC 321
- Top pressure vs. lateral footwork: Aspinall’s ability to crash distance and stick the takedown neutralizes Gane’s circling and kicks.
- Ground speed: Aspinall’s transitions—half guard to mount to back—are elite for a heavyweight; he punishes and threatens chokes simultaneously.
- Lessons learned: Gane’s prior titleshot lessons against Jon Jones still loom; Bisping believes those gaps are narrower now, just not gone.
What a win sets up: Volkov or Almeida?
Saturday’s winner likely points straight at the victor of a pivotal clash involving Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida. For Aspinall, Volkov would be a rematch with fresh stakes; Almeida would be a new, wrestling-heavy puzzle. Either pairing—coming out of UFC 321—keeps the division hot as the post-Jones picture continues to settle.
How Gane can flip the script
It’s not a foregone conclusion. If Gane wins the stance battle and chops the calf early, he can force Aspinall to shoot from too far out. Timed uppercuts and knees punish level changes; feints draw out the takedown and make counters cleaner. Still, Bisping’s view is that a longer fight increases Aspinall’s submission equity.
Key links & event hub
Get the full event context on the official pages: the UFC org, the UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane hub, fighter profiles for Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, and Bisping’s background here: Michael Bisping. Heavyweight contenders to watch next: Alexander Volkov, Jailton Almeida. Legacy context: Jon Jones.
Bottom line
Bisping’s pick: Aspinall by submission. If he’s right, don’t be surprised if the post-fight mic time turns immediately toward Volkov/Almeida—and a clear next step for the belt.
