Overview
- Tom Aspinall said Sunday that he is medically cleared, back in training and has told the UFC he is willing to fight in Paris on Sept. 5 or at another venue.
- Ciryl Gane reclaimed the interim heavyweight title in June and publicly called for a rematch with Aspinall, creating a clear sporting case for a unification bout.
- Aspinall’s new alignment with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom has moved pay and contract terms to the center of talks, with Hearn pushing for improved compensation on the champion’s behalf.
- Critics have questioned Hearn’s public negotiation tactics and reported purse figures, including an unverified $25 million claim, which has added friction to talks.
- Logistical hurdles remain because the Sept. 5 Paris event is a Fight Night rather than a premium PPV-style card, so the UFC may need to make an exception or move the unification to Abu Dhabi or Madison Square Garden.