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Dana White confirms Ciryl Gane is NOT undisputed heavyweight champion and must fight for belt after Tom Aspinall

Ciryl Gane has not been granted the undisputed UFC heavyweight title after Tom Aspinall gave up the belt earlier this week, Dana White confirmed tonight.…

Bloodyelbow

Published: Saturday, 19 September 2026 at 3:37 AM

Key Things to Know

Dana White confirmed Ciryl Gane will not be automatically promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion.
Gane must fight again to earn the undisputed UFC heavyweight title.
Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight championship following an eye injury and a subsequent training setback.

The Story in 60 Seconds

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that interim champion Ciryl Gane will not be automatically promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion following Tom Aspinall vacating the title. Speaking with Diana Belbita for SportsNet, White clarified that Gane must fight again to earn the undisputed belt, stating the division's status remains unresolved.

Aspinall was forced to vacate the championship after suffering eye trauma from a poke against Gane at UFC 321, followed by a subsequent injury during his recovery. Gane, who secured the interim title by defeating Alex Pereira, will return to competition soon to determine the undisputed champion.

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Dana White confirms Ciryl Gane is NOT undisputed heavyweight champion and must fight for belt after Tom Aspinall

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