UFC Rumors: Dana White’s Plan for UFC Paris Leaked as Ciryl Gane & Jailton Almeida Set to Lock Horns

The heavyweight division of the UFC is in flux right now. With the old guard, including the likes of Stipe Miocic, Francis Ngannou, Derrick Lewis, and Daniel Cormier either out of the way or approaching the end of their rope, the time is high for a new generation to take over.

While Jon Jones is the official champion of the division, he hasn’t fought for a year, has refused to face the interim champ, and is expected to retire after fighting Miocic later this year. This, of course, has led many, including #4 ranked Curtis Blaydes to recently remark that Tom Aspinall‘s interim heavyweight title is the ‘real title’. Blaydes, of course, will rematch Aspinall in the co-main event of UFC 304 on July 27. In addition, there are reports that another promising matchup in the heavyweight division is currently in the works.

Ciryl Gane vs. Jailton Almeida set for September this year, per rumors

According to a report from ‘Reuben Carter’, the UFC has booked #2 ranked heavyweight Ciryl Gane against #7 Jailton Almeida for UFC Paris on September 28 of this year. Both men have been in the title mix in the recent past, and whoever wins the title will probably get the next shot at the interim champ (if the belt hasn’t been unified by then).

Gane, of course, last fought (and lost comprehensively to) Jon Jones for the vacant 265-pound title at UFC 285 last year. Almeida, too, is coming off a loss to Blaydes at their Fight Night clash earlier this year. #5 ranked 265-pounder Alexander Volkov, after defeating knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich at their UFC on ABC 6 clash, too has emerged as a frontrunner for a title shot.

As such, the Russian may be in the mix for a potential number 1 contender fight against the winner of Gane-Almeida to see who faces the (interim) title holder. Up next, however, is the much-awaited rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes.

Tom Aspinall set to rematch Curtis Blaydes after losing the first bout to ‘Razor’

In the meantime, Aspinall will defend his interim title for the first time. Last year at UFC 295, the Englishman fought Sergei Pavlovich for the title. In a spectacular 69-second knockout of the knockout artist, ‘Honey Badger’ emerged as the new 265-pound interim champion. This bout replaced the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight for the undisputed title.

At UFC 304 on July 27 in his hometown of Manchester, Aspinall will look to avenge the only defeat on his already impressive pro-MMA record. The Englishman had fought Curtis Blaydes on a Fight Night card two years ago, which ended early due to a freak injury.

Just fifteen seconds after the fight started, Aspinall blew his knee, and the referee stopped the fight. In fact ahead of their rematch, the UFC has uploaded the full video of their first fight that the fans can watch on the promotion’s official YouTube channel.