TOM Aspinall returns to the octagon for a huge UFC heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane on Saturday, October 25.
Here’s everything you need to know about the former interim heavyweight champion Gane’s life away from the sport.
Credit: Getty
Who is Ciryl Gane?
Ciryl Romain Jacky Gane was born April 12 1990.
The Frenchman is a professional mixed martial artist, actor and former fighter.
The 35-year-old has roots from French overseas Guadeloupe, with his father his sporting inspiration as a part-time footballer and bus driver.
As a youngster, Ciryl played football and basketball, but decided to work in sales at a furniture store despite his raw sporting talent.
But during this time, a friend introduced him to Muay Thai – changing his life’s trajectory.
Gane made his professional debut on June 4, 2016, before achieving a perfect win record in the sport with 14 wins from the same number of fights.
From there, it was a natural progression into mixed martial arts, where he was coached by Fernand Lopez, making his professional debut in 2018.
Since transitioning to MMA he has continued his formidable form, achieving 13 wins from 15 fights.
His first defeat came in the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Francis Ngannou, followed by a defeat to for the vacant Heavyweight title in 2023.
Jon Jones defeated Gane in 2023Credit: GETTY
Later that year, Ciryl was a victim of a crime, when during his victory over Serghei Spivak at UFC Fight Night 226, police were called to his Paris apartment.
Thieves had broken in and stolen valuable items, including a watch and jewellery, totalling an estimated $162,000.
His wife Julie was the one who discovered the burglary.
Gane revealed his feelings about the experience, he said: “She went to the babysitter, dropped off the girls, and when she came back, she found the mess.
“But she kept it to herself. After the fight, when we went to bed, she told me about it.
“She did well because I didn’t see anything. I didn’t notice it at all.”
It was a rare insight into his private life, which Gane keeps under wraps.
Tom Aspinall is set to take on Ciryl Gane in OctoberCredit: Getty
Who is Ciryl Gane’s wife Julie?
Julie has been by Ciryl’s side through it all.
The couple live in Nogent-sur-Marne, in the eastern suburbs of , with their two daughters.
According to her Instagram Julie is an Event Coordinator who has a wide portfolio of work.
The Frenchwoman is a Wedding Planner, MMA event planner, as well as a VIP Coordinator.
The couple live in Nogent-sur-Marne, in the eastern suburbs of Paris, with their two daughters.Credit: Instagram/ @juliegane_eventplanner
With her work, she is able to offer unwavering encouragement during the most challenging moments of her husband’s career.
Most notably, his fight at the end of October.
When is Ciryl Gane fighting next?
The top UFC heavyweight contender recently extended his win streak to two after defeating in their rematch at UFC 310 inside the T-Mobile Arena in December.
As a result, Gane is on a string of form ahead of his next confirmed opponent – .
The duo will lock horns on October 25 2025Credit: Getty
The duo will lock horns as the main event at the UFC 321 on October 25 2025, at the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates.
It’s an opportunity to maximise this second opportunity and become the new king of the heavyweight division after coming up short in his first bid in March 2023 against Jones.
