Tom Aspinall

Names a specific stylistic hole in Gane's grappling, a specific setup (a fake takedown into a one-two) and a first-round finish, with no hedge on the outcome.

Brings a markedly different, boxing-forward approach -- crisp combinations, sharp footwork, a center-line knee attack, a clean jab and genuine knockout ability that gives him the UFC's quickest average finish; the cost is a chin he leaves exposed while closing distance, a flaw that simply hasn't bitten him yet. Considered the more complete fighter overall thanks to a wrestling game that is just as credible -- effective entries, exceptional control once on top, clean follow-up offense and a live submission threat. His only career setback came from his knee giving out early in that fight rather than from anything technical. As of 2025-10-20.

names Aspinall as the better fighter and a big favorite, but immediately concedes a real, unrebutted path back for Blaydes -- noting he has finished Aspinall-style matchups before -- which per the confidence-bar rule pulls this down from an unqualified 'clear.'

A solid striker with good combinations and movement that this read rates as better than most heavyweights, including a clean jab and knees up the middle. He also carries solid, accurate ground-and-pound and very good top control with an eye toward the submission once position is established. The one open target is a chin he leaves exposed by carrying it high.

He calls it 'a coin flip fight' outright and reaches for the root-beer idiom before picking, then closes by saying he 'wouldn't be surprised at all' if the opposite man wins.

A solid, fast-starting striker with good boxing combinations, good footwork in and out, and good knees up the middle, who the analyst calls the more all-around skilled fighter in this matchup. He is also rated an unusually accomplished grappler for a heavyweight: good, well-timed takedowns, accurate ground and pound, a real submission hunt, and a decent-sized toolbox. His clear flaw is leaving his own chin exposed while striking. He takes this fight on short notice after the title-fight shakeup. As of 2023-11-07.

Names Aspinall inside the distance as the pick and says he loves it -- calls him the best heavyweight going skill-for-skill aside from Jon Jones, with no hedge or stay-away anywhere in the chapter.

Aspinall is called the most technically sound heavyweight in the sport outside possibly Jon Jones: solid striking combinations with real power and movement, good, well-timed takedowns, and solid, large-toolbox jiu-jitsu with good control that always advances position. Returning from a knee injury, the analyst expects him to finish inside the distance, by knockout, submission, or a 'brutal' beating.