Tom Aspinall vacates UFC title: Who could Ciryl Gane face in his first heavyweight title defence?

Tom Aspinall has vacated the UFC heavyweight title, opening the door for Ciryl Gane to begin a new reign at the top of the division.

Aspinall stepped aside after ongoing problems with the eye injury he suffered against Gane in October 2025 left him without a clear timeline for his return.

Gane, who defeated Alex Pereira for the interim title in June, has subsequently been recognised as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Attention now turns to who could challenge the Frenchman in his first title defence.

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Alex Pereira

Ian Maule/Getty Images

A rematch with Pereira would arguably be the biggest option available to the UFC.

The former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion moved up to heavyweight to face Gane for the interim belt in June, but was unable to add a historic third UFC divisional title.

With Pereira still one of the promotion's biggest stars, a second meeting with Gane would immediately carry major interest.

Alexander Volkov

Alexander Volkov has spent years around the top of the UFC heavyweight division and remains firmly in the championship picture.

The Russian recorded another important victory over Waldo Cortes Acosta in May and has been ranked at No. 2 in the division, making him one of the most obvious established contenders for Gane's belt. 

Sergei Pavlovich

Sergei Pavlovich is another contender who could quickly find himself in the title conversation.

The powerful Russian strengthened his position with a victory over Tallison Teixeira in May and has been positioned alongside Volkov among the leading contenders waiting for an opportunity at the top of the division. 

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