Coach and father Andy Aspinall has expressed full confidence that his son, UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, will have little trouble defending his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

Andy Aspinall, who also serves as Tom’s longtime coach, spoke ahead of the heavyweight title bout scheduled for October 25 in Abu Dhabi. The fight marks Tom’s first defence of the undisputed championship following Jon Jones’ retirement, while Gane, a former interim titleholder, will make his third attempt at the full belt.

“I know Tom’s ready,” said Andy. “He’s been through enough to know how to handle himself. Ciryl’s a very good fighter, but I don’t see him being able to really cause Tom any real problems.”

Aspinall’s father emphasized the preparation behind the camp and his son’s mindset heading into the bout, adding that their focus is on execution and health rather than hype. “My only concern is that Tom comes out of it healthy. Everything else — the power, the movement, the fight IQ — it’s all there. We’re prepared and ready.”

Victory for Aspinall would cement his place as the leader of a new era in the heavyweight division, while a win for Gane would finally deliver the Frenchman the undisputed title that has eluded him in previous attempts.