Brazilian heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida isn’t sold on Ciryl Gane’s mindset ahead of his recently confirmed title fight against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321.
“I’m pretty sure that Aspinall beats Gane,” Almeida told Sportskeeda. “It seems like Gane has other priorities in his life right now.”
The UFC officially announced that Aspinall will defend his heavyweight title against Gane on October 25 at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. It will mark Aspinall’s first defense since being elevated to undisputed champion following Jon Jones’ retirement.
Almeida, though, has questioned Gane’s focus heading into the fight. “If you’re fighting for the heavyweight crown of the UFC, you have to be all in,” he said. “Once you’re fighting at this level, there can’t be no other priority.”
The Brazilian contender, ranked No. 5 in the division, has been vocal about wanting a title shot himself. “I’m the only guy in the division asking to fight Tom Aspinall,” Almeida said. “I don’t see anyone else calling him out.”
Despite Gane getting the nod, Almeida doesn’t believe he presents much of a threat. “Personally, I think Almeida poses a bigger threat to Tom. Gane doesn’t have much of a shot,” he said.
Almeida also took a swipe at Aspinall’s endurance. “What I’ve seen from Tom Aspinall is that he doesn’t fight five rounds,” he said. “He gets tired after the second. I’m doing six, seven rounds in the gym already.”
As Aspinall prepares to headline UFC 321, Almeida continues to make his case for whoever walks out of Abu Dhabi with the belt.