Tom Aspinall can have extra pressure on his shoulders after the vow that he did for his UFC heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane.
The first game in a new time for heavyweight will take place in October in Abu Dhabi, while Aspinall Headlines UFC 321 against Gane.
Aspinall became undisputed champion when Jon Jones chose to retire controversially in June, and it was not long before the Englishman got his wish for a quick return to activity after more than a year away from the cage.
The matchup brings a history, because the champion was vocal in criticizing his challenger because he reportedly avoided fighting from the past. The Gane team has taken note of Aspinall's comments and responded with a warning.
The Ciryl Gane coach warns Tom Aspinall of total 'shame' after his fiery comments
In addition to Aspinall who accuses Gane to 'dive' him by rejecting four offers in recent years, the resident of Manchester referred to the two failed undisputed title shots of the Frenchman.
Responding to confirmation of his first defense on October 25 for the first time, Aspinall promised to “rid Gane for good from the title photo.
That threat did not go well with Gane's coach, Fernand Lopez. The founder of the MMA factory hit back during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani show and warns Aspinall that the pressure is now on him to avoid the total 'shame' that would come with a loss after his brutal remarks.
“He says he will retire Ciryl Gane, or he will erase him from the title run is logical for me,” Lopez said. “This is fair enough. It's OK. It's hard to build the fight a bit in total.
“But just keep this in mind: Tom Aspinall has more pressure on him than any other hunter has experienced in the past decade. Can you imagine what will happen if Tom Aspinall does not deliver on 25 October? That will be more than a shame.
“This is a lot of pressure that you do not want to take on your shoulders,” Lopez added.
Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane could have their next opponent drawn up at UFC 321
When Aspinall and Gane make the Walk to the Octagon for the UFC 321 Main Event, they will do this with the knowledge of who probably waits for the Victor.
Jilton Almeida was the most vocal heavyweight competition who called to challenge Aspinall in his first defense, but he didn't get the nod from the UFC in the end.
The same applies to Alexander Volkov, who had pointed to many of a rematch with Aspinall. Dana White had also promised to take care of him last December, when the Russian controversially was defeated by Gane in a split decision that many people saw the other way in UFC 310.
Fortunately for both, they don't have to wait long to re -use their claims. Almeida and Volkov will collide with UFC 321 in a likely title -eliminator for the heavyweight gold that will be on the line later in the night.