In the build-up to UFC 321, commentator and former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy after a supposed off-record conversation with Tom Aspinall surfaced online.
The British champion, set to defend his belt against Ciryl Gane this Saturday in Abu Dhabi, had been recording content for his YouTube channel when Cormier leaned in for what he thought was a private chat—unaware that Aspinall’s microphone was still live.
What followed was a candid moment that gave fans a glimpse into Cormier’s true opinion of the current heavyweight picture.
“Jailton Can’t Fight” — Cormier’s Unfiltered Opinion
During the leaked conversation, Cormier appeared to encourage Aspinall about the opportunities that lie ahead of him if he remains dominant at heavyweight.
“These matchups in this division, like, do you know what type of f—ing run you can go on? It would be crazy,” Cormier told Aspinall. “You can like change your life. Because I mean, what is it? Jailton Almeida is fighting [Volkov]. Jailton can’t fight. [Even if Volkov wins], you beat him in the first round. It could get f—ing crazy.”
Cormier continued, recalling how he once faced a less-dangerous matchup during his title reign.
“Bro, you’re on the verge of some crazy shit. Keep working hard, though. You gotta keep working hard,” he said. “Things like this don’t come around very often. Right? It’s like when I got to fight Volkan [Oezdemir]. I had to defend the belt against Volkan Oezdemir one time, man. Did I win the lottery, son? They were like, ‘Hey, we think we can get you to fight Volkan.’ I was like, ‘Yes! I’ll take it.’”
While Cormier’s tone seemed more motivational than malicious, his blunt remarks about Jailton Almeida and Alexander Volkov instantly spread online, prompting debate over whether the UFC analyst crossed a line.
Tom Aspinall released some behind the scenes footage of Daniel Cormier talking to him.
The Heavyweight division just caught a massive stray from DC 😭#UFC321
— Verdict (@VerdictMMA) October 22, 2025
The reigning heavyweight champion didn’t appear to take offense. Instead, he reportedly uploaded the footage as part of his behind-the-scenes vlog, unaware of how much buzz it would create.
Aspinall has often been praised for keeping things light and genuine, and this instance was no different. For him, it was just another day preparing for what could be the defining title defense of his career.
Aspinall (15-3 overall, 8-1 UFC) looks to continue his remarkable run after finishing Curtis Blaydes and earning promotion to undisputed champion earlier this year.
His opponent, Ciryl Gane, enters UFC 321 after wins over Alexander Volkov and Serghei Spivac, seeking to finally claim the undisputed crown that has eluded him.
Cormier’s unfiltered comments reignited discussion about the state of the heavyweight division—often criticized for lacking fresh contenders.
While fighters like Almeida, Jailton Pereira, and Mario Pinto have shown promise, none have yet broken through as clear threats to Aspinall’s throne.
Still, the retired champion’s honesty reflects the standard he once set when he ruled both the light heavyweight and heavyweight classes.
Whether or not the UFC brass were thrilled about the clip leaking, fans certainly were—the candid moment offered a rare look behind the polished world of fight-week media.
The heavyweight title clash headlines UFC 321 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
The card also includes a strawweight title bout between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba, a bantamweight matchup featuring Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista, and a heavyweight contest with Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida—two fighters now unexpectedly in the spotlight thanks to Cormier’s leaked mic moment.
