Key Highlights
- Paddy Pimblett predicts a dominant performance by Tom Aspinall against Ciryl Gane in UFC 321.
- Aspinall is seen as the superior fighter due to his skillset and past victories, according to Pimblett.
- Gane’s athleticism and striking are acknowledged but deemed inferior compared to Aspinall’s experience.
- Paddy Pimblett highlights Aspinall’s ability to take Gane down and submit him if needed.
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane: Predictions from Paddy Pimblett
In a matchup that is set for UFC 321, the heavyweight title showdown between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane has piqued significant interest in the mixed martial arts (MMA) community. As the fight approaches, predictions are rife, with one notable voice from the world of MMA providing his insights: Paddy Pimblett.
Writing exclusively for Daily Mail Sport, Pimblett expressed confidence that Aspinall will dominate Gane in their upcoming encounter. The British fighter’s prediction is based on a combination of skill, experience, and past performances. According to Pimblett, Aspinall possesses superior technique across all aspects of the sport, making it nearly impossible for Gane to secure a victory.
“I think Tom will dominate him,” stated Pimblett unequivocally. “I don’t see any other way that it could go to be honest, I genuinely don’t.” This prediction is further bolstered by Aspinall’s impressive performance against Sergei Pavlovich at Madison Square Garden in 2023, where he knocked out the opponent in just two minutes.
Comparing Skillsets and Experience
Gane’s athleticism and elite striking are acknowledged but deemed insufficient to challenge Aspinall. Pimblett pointed out that Gane is a technical striker, which, while impressive, falls short of Aspinall’s range of skills. “I’d say he has fought someone of the striking level of Gane before because he fought Sergei Pavlovich and knocked him out,” explained Pimblett.
Aspinall’s experience in dealing with high-striking threats is another factor that strengthens his prediction, as Pimblett highlighted. “Pavlovich at the time was one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the UFC and Tom knocked him out in two minutes or something,” he added.
The Ground Game
While Aspinall’s striking prowess is undeniable, his dominance on the ground could be a deciding factor. Pimblett emphasized that Gane faces an uphill battle if Aspinall decides to employ a strategy similar to Jon Jones’s approach against him in 2023, where Jones submitted Gane with a guillotine choke in the first round.
“He’s got too much for Gane because he can strike with him but he can take him down at will and submit him if he wanted to,” stated Pimblett. This prediction comes from Pimblett’s role as ambassador for Dr Squatch and the Manladia campaign, where he is eager to highlight Aspinall’s capabilities.
Respecting the Challenger
Despite his confidence in Aspinall, Pimblett also emphasized that Gane should not be underestimated. “I think there’s this notion with the media and maybe the fans that Ciryl is not very good,” he said. “Which is just complete bulls***.” Pimblett acknowledged Gane’s talent and experience as a former interim champion, indicating that both fighters will face a challenging contest.
“He’s been an interim champion himself. He’s obviously had two title shots for the undisputed title, as well, so I think the guy is really good,” added Pimblett. This perspective adds depth to his prediction and ensures he addresses any potential complacency from either Aspinall or the fans.
As UFC 321 approaches, all eyes will be on Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane as they battle for the heavyweight title in Abu Dhabi. With Paddy Pimblett’s prediction weighing heavily on the outcome, both fighters will need to bring their best to secure victory in this high-stakes encounter.
