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Tag: Ciryl Gane

  • Curtis Blaydes Calls For ‘Logical’ Fight Against Ciryl Gane

    Curtis Blaydes is looking for a dance partner in Ciryl Gane.

    The UFC heavyweight division is really heating up. Champion Francis Ngannou is coming off a big title defense win over Ciryl Gane. He has been in contract negotiations with the UFC and will now need surgery.

    These factors make his immediate future in the division unclear. If for some reason the UFC finds itself in need of another interim title or champion, it would be a good idea for the other top heavyweights to start marking their territory. That just might be what Curtis Blaydes is trying to do.

    Blaydes took to social media in hopes of securing himself a match with the former challenger and interim titleholder Ciryl Gane.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZZ754IpM6e/

    “This has to be the next logical matchup for the both of us @ufc #makessense #dancepartner #heavyweight #contenders,” Blaydes wrote.

    Blaydes last fought back in September. He defeated Jairzinho Rozenstruik by unanimous decision and slipped himself into the number four spot in the rankings. The only men ahead of him are Derrick Lewis, Stipe Miocic, and Gane.

    Blaydes suffered a loss by Lewis recently, and Miocic seems to be holding firm for a title shot. His calling for Gane is a great idea, especially while the division is in a sort of holding pattern.

    If Blaydes can get a win over Gane, he would put himself in a great position. However, there are a few curveballs that could be awaiting the division.

    If Ngannou sits out and the UFC does not do anything to strip him, then the top five might just have to fight amongst themselves to see who will be the contender when Ngannou returns. Also, Jon Jones is supposedly making his heavyweight debut soon but will most likely only do so for a title shot.

    Either way, a win over Gane puts Blaydes exactly where he needs to be in order to get a title shot when his number is called. He just needs Gane to accept first.

    Do you think Curtis Blaydes can beat Ciryl Gane?

  • Lopez Reveals How Usman Played Peacekeeper Between Him & Ngannou

    Ciryl Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez has revealed what Kamaru Usman said to him after Francis Ngannou’s victory at UFC 270.

    While it may have somewhat drifted into the background with the remarkable situation surrounding the heavyweight champion’s future in the UFC and ongoing contractual dispute with the promotion, Ngannou’s bitter and public feud with MMA Factory founder and head coach Lopez was an intriguing narrative heading into the opening pay-per-view main event of 2022.

    Fueled by a dramatic backstage snub at UFC 268 that was worthy of a place in a soap opera, Lopez and Ngannou’s 2019 split rose back to the surface in recent months. While the Frenchman accused his former student of refusing to pay the gym membership and attempting to sabotage Gane’s rise to the UFC, the Cameroonian branded his ex-tutor as “evil”.

    In the end, it was Ngannou who had the last laugh. Pushing through a heap of adversity, including the possibility of “irreversible damage” from a torn MCL and damaged ACL, “The Predator” wrestled his way to a unanimous decision victory over “Bon Gamin.”

    Usman Pushed For Peace

    With the culmination of the unification showdown and the crowning of an undisputed titleholder, most will hope we’ve seen the end of the public criticisms and insults between Ngannou and Lopez. One man who certainly feels that way is reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.

    Usman, a good friend of his fellow African UFC champ, was in Ngannou’s corner for the UFC 270 main event. While Lopez didn’t share any words with “The Predator” after Gane’s defeat, he did interact with “The Nigerian Nightmare.”

    During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, Lopez revealed Usman pleaded with him to leave his differences with Ngannou in the past, something the 43-year-old says he is more than happy to do.

    “When I shake Kamaru Usman’s hand, he stopped me and said to me, ‘Fernand, we are brothers. Let’s stop this. Let’s just move on.’ And I said, ‘You’re right. Let’s move on…’ I’m done. I’m exhausted with that topic,” said Lopez.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZGdI7otpdZ/

    While we may not have seen the interaction and in-person make up between Lopez and Ngannou many wanted, the Frenchman’s post-fight words with the likes of Usman and opposition coach Eric Nicksick suggest both sides are willing to put their differences behind them.

    That is, until we see Ngannou vs. Gane 2 down the line…

    Should the beef between Fernand Lopez and Francis Ngannou be put to bed now that UFC 270 has passed?

  • Fernand Lopez: Gane Is Ready To Take Jones If Ngannou Isn’t

    Ciryl Gane is willing to welcome Jon Jones to the heavyweight division.

    Although the heavyweight championship belt did not change hands at UFC 270, challenger Ciryl Gane is not discouraged. He is still a force to be reckoned with in the division, and with some uncertainty looming with champion Francis Ngannou in both health and contract, Gane is willing to step into the big opportunities.

    Ngannou might be out of competition for an extended period of time. The champ needs surgery following his win over Gane. This fact, paired with the unstable relationship he has with the UFC, could put his future in the organization in jeopardy. This is where Gane can step up. He was the interim champion and still the number one contender. If the UFC needs a big fight while Ngannou is out it could be Gane vs. Jon Jones.

    Jones has been teasing a move to heavyweight for over a year. He too has been having some contract trouble along with some personal issues throughout his transition. However, Jones will most likely be making his heavyweight debut in the near future and Gane could be the man to welcome him according to his coach.

    “If they (the UFC) solve the problem with Francis, what they would like to do, what everyone would like to have, is Jon Jones vs. Francis,” Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez told MMA Fighting. “I’m realistic, Jon Jones is number one. This is how it works, it’s a business… If that does not happen, and they have any issues having Francis onboard in the company, then obviously, we are ready to take Jon Jones.”

    It may be unlikely to see Jones come to the heavyweight division and fight for anything less than a title fight. Ngannou may be out for a while and the UFC could easily strip him or create another interim title. If either of these options were to happen, Gane vs. Jones could be a perfect fit.

    Do you want to see Ciryl Gane vs. Jon Jones in the heavyweight division?

  • Ngannou To Fans Who Said He Could Only Win By KO: You Were Wrong

    Although UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou revealed that if he could have chosen his path to victory against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 it would have been via knockout, proving people wrong worked out well also.

    With the eyes of practically every fan on him and the talk in all circles surrounding his uncertain future and ongoing dispute with the UFC, Ngannou didn’t buckle under the pressure.

    In fact, much like his knee brace held up his torn MCL and damaged ACL through five rounds of action, Ngannou’s focus, perseverance, and the team around him held up his self-belief, something that would prove to be crucial on his path to victory.

    Having pushed through multiple areas of adversity, “The Predator” made it to the Octagon for the first pay-per-view main event of 2022 with a point to prove. After two rounds of comfortable control on the feet for Gane, that point looked to be fading.

    But after metaphorically catching that point and slamming it to the ground in the third round, the Cameroon native used his improved wrestling game to add the first blemish to his former teammate’s record.

    Having been unable to get close to “Bon Gamin” on the feet, it was undoubtedly the strategic adjustment to takedowns and ground control that turned the tide last Saturday. Having seen Gane’s reaction to it at the end of the third round, Ngannou said he knew it was to be smooth sailing for the remaining 10 minutes.

    Ngannou Happy To Prove Doubters Wrong Despite KO Preference

    Prior to UFC 270, the prevailing narrative was that the unification showdown was a case of power vs. technique on the feet. Very few even discussed the possibility of either party choosing to initiate a wrestling sequence, and even fewer believed Ngannou would be capable of engineering a victory with it.

    While he sees the opportunity to have proven his doubters wrong and show he can go five rounds, even when grappling is involved, as a good thing, Ngannou still admits he’d have chosen a KO if he could have.

    “I didn’t know, for sure, that it was gonna be a grappling match. But I have that as an option, that it could be a grappling match,” Ngannou said during his appearance at the post-fight press conference. “Basically, because I wasn’t very comfortable on my stand, I wasn’t very stable, so I was very concerned. I couldn’t move properly, and against a guy who moves as well as Ciryl, It was very tough for me, the standup part. But he kind of gave me the opportunity; came to me at first with those takedowns… My team recommended me to keep doing that, work on the wrestling and grapple because we were pretty confident about our skills.

    “Neither do I (expect to see me fight five rounds), I haven’t seen me fight for so long [LAUGHS]. The wrestling has been part of my game from the beginning. I’ve been working on (it), maybe it wasn’t good enough, but I never had a chance to prove it,” added Ngannou. “If I would’ve chose, it would’ve been a knockout man [LAUGHS]. This five rounds, it wasn’t my call. But meanwhile, it was a good thing because I finally had a chance to prove that I can do it. Everybody counts me out when it goes to five rounds, ‘Ah, Ciryl by decision! Only way Francis wins is by knockout,’ but you were wrong.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZISzJ7Prar/

    With another wrinkle added to his game, Ngannou has displayed his development from knockout artist to all-round mixed martial artist. That’s certainly a scary prospect for the rest of the division should he agree to a new deal with the UFC and continue his reign.

    What did you make of Francis Ngannou’s performance at UFC 270?

  • Ciryl Gane Hopeful Francis Ngannou Stays In UFC: “I Want My Rematch”

    Ciryl Gane wants the UFC to come to terms with heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on a new deal so he can eventually get a rematch.

    Gane fell short via a unanimous decision against Ngannou at UFC 270. After finding his range on the feet early in the fight, Ngannou’s improved wrestling gave Gane fits as the fight went on.

    Ngannou and the UFC have been at odds for months over negotiations of a new contract. A new deal didn’t come to fruition leading up to UFC 270, and Ngannou’s future with the promotion remains uncertain.

    But Gane wants Ngannou to stay in the UFC so they can run it back at some point. During his UFC 270 post-fight press conference, Gane opined on Ngannou possibly leaving the promotion and transitioning to boxing.

    “If he leave like that, I don’t want that,” Gane said. “I want my rematch. I want to do this fight a second time. I want this fight. I want this rematch.”

    Gane was then asked by a reporter whether or not it’ll be a relief to not deal with the Ngannou pre-fight drama in a potential rematch.

    “No, I was ready for this one….All the (stories) around this fight was just stories. It was not important for me. I was just focused on my target. And no, no, no, if we have a rematch, I’m gonna be focused, but I’m gonna improve on my weakness.”

    Ngannou and Gane never seemed to have bad blood with one another, but Ngannou’s issues with coach Fernand Lopez have been widely publicized. In addition to promoting Gane, Lopez had taken shots at Ngannou throughout the pre-fight buildup.

    Ngannou is widely expected to face former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones next, although Jones didn’t seem impressed with Ngannou’s performance. As for Gane, he’ll look to rebound from the first defeat of his career and get back to the heavyweight title shot at some point.

    What do you think is next for Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane in the UFC?

  • Fighters React To Francis Ngannou Outlasting Ciryl Gane At UFC 270

    Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane was everything that was advertised as Gane stepped up to challenge for the heavyweight title. 

    The two fighters met in a bout on Saturday night (January 22, 2022) at the UFC 270 pay-per-view event from Anaheim, California at the Honda Center. Francis was wearing knee pads. Not a ton happened in the first frame aside from clinch work. 

    Gane started letting his hands go in the second round and was landing some kicks. Another lackluster round as Francis is swinging, but not connecting. In the third round, Francis caught a kick and slammed him down hard right into side control. 

    This happened another time with Gane continuously getting back up. Ngannou was tired at this point. Ngannou got a few more takedowns in the fourth round, but Gane did a nice job of defending transitions and wrist control. 

    Ngannou got a takedown to open the fifth round, but Gane went for a leg submission only for Ngannou to get out and got on top in half guard. Francis was awarded the decision win. Ngannou revealed he tore his MCL in training and injured his ACL in training for this fight. 

    Peep the highlights of the fight courtesy of the UFC’s official Twitter account:

    https://twitter.com/UFC_CA/status/1485127605867225090

    Ngannou entered this fight on a five-bout winning streak. He scored three straight first-round KO wins over the likes of Curtis Blaydes in November 2018, Cain Velasquez in February 2019, and Junior Dos Santos in June 2019. He previously knocked out Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 before knocking out Stipe Miocic to win the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 260. 

    Gane picked up a few wins under the TKO banner where he finished all of his fights before going to the UFC. He beat Raphael Pessoa by submission in his promotional debut with the UFC. He got decision, submission and KO victories. He beat Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Vegas 20 by decision and then over Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 30th by decision. He won the interim title with a TKO win over Derrick Lewis at UFC 265. 

    Let’s see how the fighters reacted to the outcome of this fight: 

    https://twitter.com/JalinTurner/status/1485131816793255938
    https://twitter.com/GroovyLando/status/1485132074948251649

    UFC 270 Results & Highlights: Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane 

    MMA News is providing ongoing coverage of UFC 270. We’ve got you covered with live results, video highlights, and post-fight tidbits.

  • Archives: Gane Wants To Fight Jon Jones Because He’s “The GOAT” (2021)

    Last year, Ciryl Gane explained why he would love a fight against Jon Jones. If Jones makes his heavyweight debut on schedule and Gane is victorious tonight at UFC 270, then there is nothing theoretically preventing that fight from happening.

    The following article is brought to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JUNE 30, 2021, 11:00 AM]

    Headline: Ciryl Gane Wants To Fight Jon Jones Because He’s “The GOAT”

    Author: Cole Shelton

    Ciryl Gane says Jon Jones is the best MMA fighter of all time and wants to fight him down the line.

    Jones, the former longtime UFC light heavyweight champ, has been bulking up for a move to heavyweight. The plan was to face Francis Ngannou, but that hasn’t come to fruition yet. Nevertheless, he still plans to move up to heavyweight, and Gane says he would love for the chance to fight him down the line.

    “Yes of course, of course. A lot of people talk about this fight because I am a technical fighter and he is, too, a technical fighter, so the people like to say, ‘Yeah, this is a good matchup.’ So yes, I’m really excited about that because Jon Jones is the GOAT and everybody knows that. So wow,” Gane said to TMZ Sports (h/t BJPENN.com).

    “I think it’s a good move for him (going to heavyweight), of course. He can make a lot of money with it,” Gane continued. “He did a lot at light heavyweight, so I understand his move to the heavyweight division, he wants to prove something. But yes, of course, there are a lot of people in this division waiting for the title shot, so every time people say ‘Jon Jones, Jon Jones,’ but we are here, too.”

    Ciryl Gane
    Image Credit: UFC’s YouTube

    Although Gane says he wants to face Jones down the line, he will make a quick turnaround and face Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC 265 for the interim heavyweight title. The 9-0 fighter is coming off a decision win over Alexander Volkov and just three years into his career gets to fight for UFC gold.

    Should Gane beat Lewis, he will get a title shot against Ngannou, and if he wins that, a scrap against Jones does make a ton of sense. Whether or not that will happen is to be seen.

    Would you like to see Ciryl Gane vs. Jon Jones?

  • The Pulse of MMA: Fans Brace For The Impact of Ngannou vs. Gane

    The Pulse of MMA: Fan Reactions To The Sport’s Biggest Stories

    MMA fans prepare for the heavyweight collision that awaits at UFC 270 when the UFC heavyweight title is unified between undisputed champion Francis Ngannou and interim champ Ciryl Gane.

    Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane Headline UFC 270

    Ciryl Gane Francis Ngannou
    (via USA TODAY Sports & Getty)

    Tonight at UFC 270, Ciryl Gane will put his undefeated record on the line when he attempts to decrown Francis Ngannou as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. We have offered our staff predictions for the bout and our comprehensive preview for the entire card. Now, let’s find out what The Pulse of MMA had to say about the main event below!

    Want to weigh in on the sport’s biggest stories? Be sure to follow us on Twitter and let your voice be heard!

  • Francis Ngannou Expects Big Wrestling Advantage Over Ciryl Gane

    UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is teasing the use of his vastly improved grappling against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.

    Ngannou earned the heavyweight title by knocking out Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 last year. While he’s mainly known as an elite striker with knockout power, he showcased superb takedown defense and stifled Miocic’s advances in the grappling department.

    Ngannou will likely never be known as an elite wrestler as he is a striker, but he isn’t counting out the use of that toolbox in his matchup with Gane. During a recent interview with Michael Bisping on BT Sport, he explained why he feels he holds the advantage when it comes to grappling.

    “I’ve gotta admit that it’s gonna be a tough fight, regarding his style,” Ngannou said. “But (this is) one of the first times that I worked to a fight and like, I feel pretty confident about like, ‘Okay, let’s say this guy will attempt a takedown or wrestling,’ I’m like, ‘This is not a fight, this is not a game.’ It’s not like when I was preparing for the Stipe fight, I (was like), ‘You better don’t let him touch your legs,’ you know?

    “So, Ciryl has a good striking, but he kind of lacks in that area (wrestling), which is all in my favor because I have a little bit of experience there. When I look at him and his record, he hasn’t fought a wrestler, a good wrestler, yet. I was hoping sometime that he’d get Curtis Blaydes. Before you get past Curtis Blaydes, I don’t sign you off [LAUGHS].”

    Gane has arguably the most unique skillset out of all the heavyweight contenders. He’s able to use his movement on the feet like a welterweight to go with his power as a heavyweight.

    Ngannou and Gane used to train together briefly at MMA Factory in France before Ngannou parted ways with coach Fernand Lopez and moved to the United States. The two of them are familiar with one another’s strengths and weaknesses through their time under Lopez.

    The Ngannou vs. Gane matchup has been pinned as a prototypical ‘power vs. technique’ matchup, but Gane has played that down. While striking will be the main form of attack from both men, expect the unexpected in this heavyweight battle.

    What is your prediction for UFC 270?

  • Gane: Ngannou Didn’t Follow The Game Plan In 2018 Miocic Defeat

    Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane has suggested Francis Ngannou lost to Stipe Miocic in 2018 because he didn’t follow the game plan.

    When Ngannou reached the mountaintop by brutally knocking Miocic out at UFC 260 last March, he wasn’t just building his legacy by becoming a champion, but he was also avenging the first UFC defeat of his career.

    Heading into the opening pay-per-view of 2018, Ngannou was 6-0 in the UFC and was expected to secure his place on the throne. In his run in the promotion up to that point, he’d finished all of his opponents inside the opening two rounds, five by KO or TKO.

    But at UFC 220, Ngannou faced a step-up in competition that he had perhaps not fully appreciated. Across five rounds against the consensus heavyweight GOAT Miocic, “The Predator” was taken down, controlled, and fatigued. After 25 minutes, Ngannou fell on the wrong side of a lopsided unanimous decision verdict.

    Gane Explains Why Ngannou Fell Short At UFC 220

    At UFC 260 last March, Ngannou had the chance for redemption. The big question heading into the pay-per-view was could the Cameroonian powerhouse keep the fight standing and defend against Miocic’s wrestling and takedown attempts? That query was answered emphatically.

    With the gold now around his waist, Ngannou will look to defend it for the first time in a unification showdown against interim titleholder Gane. Ahead of the UFC 270 main event this Saturday, “Bon Gamin” discussed the improvements Ngannou made between his two championship fights.

    Speaking to former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping for BT Sport, Gane suggested Ngannou failed in his first crack at dethroning Miocic because he didn’t follow the game plan, something the champ’s team at Xtreme Couture were able to rectify heading into the rematch.

    “He was really better (in the Miocic rematch). I think his coach did something good because the problem with Francis is about the game plan,” said Gane. “He don’t like to follow the game plan. So that’s why he was wrong in the first fight with Stipe. Now, he improved on that and that was really better.”

    With Ngannou’s wrestling visibly improved and developed last time out, and with his belief that he’ll have a firm advantage over Gane in that department, it certainly wouldn’t be surprising to see the much-talked-about battle between power and striking technique venture to the ground at some point at UFC 270.

    Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 270, Ciryl Gane or Francis Ngannou?

  • Ngannou Believes The UFC Is Responsible For Gane Being The Betting Favorite

    Francis Ngannou is blaming the UFC for the betting odds on his upcoming main event against Ciryl Gane.

    UFC 270 is just one day away and it will be headlined by a massive heavyweight title unification fight. Champion Francis Ngannou will be taking on his former training partner, interim champion Ciryl Gane. leading up to this fight the betting odds are swinging in favor of Gane, who is currently a very small betting favorite at around -120.

    Ngannou disagrees with this line and is blaming the UFC’s hard push on Gane as the reason.

    “Well, usually, I don’t look (at) those stuff, and I don’t care about it because the first time that I lost against Stipe, I was the favorite, by far the favorite,” Ngannou said in an interview with Max Kerllerman on ESPN’s This Just In. “And it didn’t go (my way). So those doesn’t matter much.

    “And honestly, I think right here, the reason is just because in the past month, they’ve been doing everything to promote him and technically, I would say dispromote me. And people cannot sleep on my performance and forget about me.”

    There has been a rough relationship between Ngannou and the UFC ever since he won the title. Just months after he was crowned that champion, the UFC set up an interim title fight.

    Following that, there have been some contract negotiation issues that have placed Ngannou’s post-UFC 270 status in question. Although Dana White has been doing his best to downplay the severity of the disagreement, Ngannou still seems unhappy and could possibly leave the UFC with a loss on Saturday night. If he were to win, however, the ball would be in his court and perhaps he could get what he wants.

    You can catch Ngannou’s full ESPN interview below.

    Do you think the UFC has been promoting Ciryl Gane more than Francis Ngannou?

  • UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

    The UFC 270 pre-fight press conference took place earlier tonight, and we’ve got the highlights for you right here!

    UFC 270 takes place this Saturday, January 22, from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. In the main event, Francis Ngannou will face Ciryl Gane in a heavyweight title unification showdown. The co-main event will see the trilogy bout between flyweight champion Brandon Moreno and his opponent, Deiveson “Deus Da Guerra” Figueiredo.

    Each of the above fighters was present during Thursday’s pre-fight press conference. Here were some of the most memorable moments and exchanges from the event.

    The Arrivals

    Memorable Moments

    Extended Highlights & Face-Offs

    You can find the extended highlights from the UFC 270 pre-fight press conference below along with the face-offs!

    Full Replay

    Finally, if you’d like to experience the full UFC 270 pre-fight press conference uncut, you can do so right below!

    Be sure to stick with MMA News for all your UFC 269 coverage leading up to, during, and after the event!

  • Ciryl Gane: The Man Who Made Francis Ngannou Is On My Side

    Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane says it’s the presence of Fernand Lopez on his side that makes him confident heading into his unification showdown with former teammate Francis Ngannou.

    Gane’s rise from unknown prospect to championship status has been as impressive as it’s been rapid. In the four years since making the transition from Muay Thai to MMA, “Bon Gamin” has made it to the sport’s premier promotion, extended his unblemished record to 10-0, defeated former world champions, and had UFC gold wrapped around his waist.

    However, his next challenge will be his toughest to date. In the UFC 270 main event this weekend, Gane will lock horns with reigning titleholder Ngannou. With a battle of power versus a new technical approach to heavyweight fighting, the opening pay-per-view headliner of 2022 promises to be enthralling.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY1kxvStkqN/

    Gane Explains Where His Confidence Derives From

    One of the main storylines heading into the January 22 event is the previous history and connection the two heavyweight champs share. Prior to his move to Xtreme Couture in 2018, Ngannou was one of the top names out of Paris’ MMA Factory gym, where he trained under Coach Fernand Lopez.

    But after a bitter split and a soured relationship, one that has become more public in the weeks and months leading up to UFC 270, the feud between Ngannou and Lopez has added an extra level of intrigue to the contest, as the 43-year-old looks to take down his former student with the help of his current pupil.

    For Gane, this unique dynamic is what makes him so confident heading into his unification clash with “The Predator.” While many would expect his experience sparring with Ngannou to help the most, Gane told Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole that it is the presence of Lopez on his side that has boosted his self-belief.

    “We have improved a lot (since I sparred Ngannou). So, no, this is not what exactly makes me confident. This is more because I’ve got Fernand Lopez on my side,” said Gane. “This is a better thing to make me confident because he knows him, he make him, you understand? So this gives me more confidence than the sparring.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY2byP6pMpL/

    With the clash of styles, the heated feud between Ngannou and Lopez, and the champion’s ongoing contractual dispute and uncertain future, not many heavyweight contests have had as many compelling stories in the build-up as Gane vs. Ngannou. We’ll see if that makes for exciting action inside the Octagon come January 22.

    Do you think having Fernand Lopez in his corner will help Ciryl Gane to defeat his former teammate Francis Ngannou at UFC 270?

  • Ngannou Claims He Accidentally Knocked Gane Out While Sparring

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou claims he once knocked out upcoming opponent Ciryl Gane during a sparring session at Paris’ MMA Factory gym.

    After returning from a four-week break last weekend with UFC Vegas 46, the world’s premier MMA promotion is set to open its pay-per-view account for 2022 this weekend in Anaheim, California.

    Opening the year will be UFC 270, an event headlined by a blockbuster heavyweight title unification showdown with a backstory that is, according to Dana White, better than Vince McMahon could write.

    Former teammates Ngannou and Gane are set to collide in a clash of power and a new breed of technical heavyweight fighting. With their history, the title of ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ at stake, and the champion’s uncertain future, the opening PPV headliner of the year is set to bring fireworks to the Octagon.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY7v-dwDPzU/

    Ngannou Flips The Script On Lopez’s KO Claim

    One of the many intriguing narratives heading into January 22 has been the two heavyweight titleholders’ experience sparring with each other, and how that may impact the result inside the Honda Center.

    Fans were given a glimpse of the pair’s sparring sessions in a leaked clip. While the brief video showed Gane making a good account of himself, a disgruntled Ngannou suggested it made the Frenchman look better than he is. Gane himself even admitted the footage certainly did him some favors.

    But after the Cameroonian’s displeasure at the sparring session’s release, MMA Factory’s Fernand Lopez threatened to post footage of the interim champ dropping “The Predator.” At UFC 270 media day on Wednesday, Ngannou turned the tables on his former coach by claiming he once put Gane to sleep during sparring.

    “Yes, I knocked him out,” Ngannou said. “(It was) with a high kick, a left high kick… There’s a lot of reasons why that footage didn’t come out.”

    Ngannou went on to insist that accidentally knocking out a training partner was certainly not something he is proud of, given the need to protect teammates while sparring.

    “Let me say this, that knockout, it wasn’t a voluntary knockout. It was in sparring, it was an accident. I didn’t intend to knock him out, I didn’t go there to knock him out,” added Ngannou. “So, personally, it’s not something that I will be proud of and walk ’round feeling tough because I knocked my sparring partner out… Usually, stuff like that happens in training, but it’s always an accident. We are committed to taking care of our partner.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY1kxvStkqN/

    In his fast rise to the top of the food chain in the UFC, Gane has comfortable dealt with some of the biggest and most powerful hitters in the UFC, including Jairzinho Rozenstruik and UFC KO record-holder Derrick Lewis.

    But if Ngannou’s sparring claims are true, those backing a sixth-straight KO for “The Predator” will now be a whole lot more confident in their pick.

    Do you think Francis Ngannou will add a 13th KO to his record this Saturday against Ciryl Gane?

  • Dana White Doesn’t Feel Confident Saying Jon Jones Is Next For HW Title

    UFC President Dana White does not yet feel confident in confirming whether or not former 205-pound king Jon Jones will fight for the heavyweight title next.

    Jones, who is widely considered the leading contender for GOAT status in the UFC, hasn’t been in action since February 2020. After returning to the Octagon in 2018 and regaining the light heavyweight title, “Bones” defended the gold three times against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Dominick Reyes.

    After a tight decision victory over “The Devastator,” a result many believe should have gone the other way, Jones believed he’d exhausted all of his challengers at 205 pounds and had pretty much cleared out the division. With that in mind, he vacated the title and announced his intention to pursue championship glory at a new weight.

    But his much-awaited heavyweight debut is yet to arrive. After a blockbuster showdown with champion Francis Ngannou fell through due to a public pay dispute with White and the UFC, Jones sat out the entirety of 2021.

    In the meantime, fans have seen glimpses of the Albuquerque resident’s transformation through gym pictures and training footage he’s uploaded to Instagram.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXhOaYSvHgQ/

    White: I Don’t Know What Jones Wants To Do Next

    Despite his long layoff, Jones’ social media posts, and a recent stint training at Fight Ready with former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, suggest the 34-year-old is eager to make his comeback.

    Given some previous interviews and a tweet that read, “Champion 2022,” many expect Jones to challenge either Ngannou or Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight belt later this year. “The Predator” and “Bon Gamin” are set to square off this weekend in an intriguing unification clash.

    In an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Dana White suggested Jones will be watching this Saturday’s UFC 270 main event closely from home and expects him to make a statement of intent on social media following its culmination.

    “He’s absolutely sitting back at home and watching, and seeing how this plays out,” White said. “I think as soon as this fight is over, either way, however, the fight ends, whoever wins will probably hear from him on social media. He might even hear from him during the fight, who knows?”

    However, when asked if Jones is likely to be next for whoever emerges as the undisputed titleholder, White said he’s not yet confident enough to confirm that. In his mind, Jones’ future and next step is yet to be decided, and we could even still see the veteran return to his old stomping ground of light heavyweight.

    “Yeah, I don’t feel confident saying that Jon Jones is next,” White added. “Not because I think he’s unreliable. It’s because I honestly don’t know what Jon Jones wants to do next. I think Jon’s gonna watch this fight and, you know, he’ll decide, maybe he doesn’t fight at heavyweight, maybe he goes back and tries to regain the light heavyweight championship. I honestly don’t know the answer to that question.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY4baMPNZ1z/

    With the UFC’s opening pay-per-view main event of the year already boasting a host of intriguing storyline heading into it, the idea of Jones waiting in the wings for the victor is another facet to a compelling heavyweight title fight.

    Would you like to see Jon Jones face the winner of this weekend’s UFC 270 main event later in the year?

  • Glover Teixeira Offers Prediction For Ngannou vs. Gane

    UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira sees Francis Ngannou standing as the sole heavyweight champ later this year.

    The current 205-pound champ was recently asked his opinion on an upcoming title unification bout between UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou and interim champ Ciryl Gane. The fight is set to headline UFC 270, which will take place this Saturday.

    Teixeira put value in Ngannou’s power over Gane’s fast, technical ability. Here’s what he said about the matchup:

    “Wow, I’m excited for this fight. I want to watch this fight. And it’s gonna be like power vs. Muhammad Ali, right? But I would say George Foreman/Muhammad Ali [stylistically]. One is pure power; the other one [has] the technique. He flow; he jump around; he hits fast; he moves. So I see [Gane] like Muhammad Ali,” said Teixeira, in an interview with Sherdog. “But I [believe] the result is gonna be the same. In my opinion, Francis Ngannou is too powerful right now. He’s on a mission. And man, he’s getting better and better every time we see him. And in my opinion, he’s gonna win.”

    Teixeira: Ngannou Has Power

    Francis Ngannou
    PHOTO: MMA JUNKIE

    Teixeira raises an important point about Ngannou. The current champion’s power has certainly been his key to success in the UFC.

    Ngannou has fought 13 times since joining the UFC roster with 11 of those being victories. All of his wins have come via finish thus far. His last five fights have resulted in four first-round finishes, with the other just going another minute more than a round.

    On the other hand, Gane is more familiar with going the distance. While he certainly has his fair share of quick wins, including his 2019 UFC debut win against Raphael Pessoa, he has already gone five rounds twice in his career. His last fight saw him take Derrick Lewis into the 15th minute of action before finishing him with strikes.

    Do you agree with Glover Teixeira’s prediction?

  • Gane Believes A Fight With ‘Inspiration’ Jones Could Happen Win Or Lose

    Ciryl Gane is looking towards a heavyweight legend next, win or lose at UFC 270.

    UFC 270 goes down in Las Vegas on Saturday night and the main event will crown the undisputed heavyweight champion. While interim champion Ciryl Gane has his hands full taking on Francis Ngannou, he can’t help but look to another fight. Gane believes that with former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones targeting a move to heavyweight, the two will eventually meet.

    Jones could be next for a title shot following UFC 270, but a win for Gane is not the only scenario where he sees the two of them opposite the Octagon from each other. Gane believes he will see Jones one way or another.

    “Even if I lose, I think this fight can happen because a lot of fans and media talk about this fight because you have a really good matchup,” Gane told GIVEMESPORT.com. “Jon Jones was an inspiration to me when I started my career. Not a hero per se, but a model, and an inspiration as a fighter. Jon Jones is very well-rounded, I want to be this kind of fighter, so yeah I’m very interested in this fight.”

    Although Jones is new to heavyweight, he has been a vet of the light heavyweight division for a long time. He has ruled the 205-pound division since 2011. Gane, on the other hand, only burst onto the UFC scene in 2019 and has quickly made a name for himself. He represents a “new guard” in the organization and he thinks his generation will do great things.

    “I love my generation. I think just behind me there are a lot of future stars. Like, I like to say his name, but Tom Aspinall is a really good fighter.”We have a lot of names when we talk about the new generation just behind me and I think they are the future of the division.”

    Gane is undefeated as a professional and, at only 31 years old, could have a decent amount of time ahead of him at the top. If he becomes the heavyweight champion on Saturday night, he might get the chance he has been waiting for: a fight against Jon Jones. With a long enough run as champ, he could get a chance to face a few vets of the division as well as some up-and-comers.

    Would you rather see Jon Jones face Gane or Ngannou in his divisional debut?

  • Ngannou Warns Gane About Trying To “Win On Points” At UFC 270

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has warned upcoming opponent Ciryl Gane that playing the long game for a decision at UFC 270 won’t end well for him.

    In one of the most intriguing and highly anticipated heavyweight matchups of all time, former teammates Ngannou and Gane will collide in this weekend’s main event for a blockbuster unification showdown.

    While “The Predator” secured his place on the throne at the second time of trying last March by knocking out Stipe Miocic, “Bon Gamin” continued his rapid and impressive rise to the top by having interim gold wrapped around his waist in August with a dominant display against Derrick Lewis.

    The pair will now share the Octagon this Saturday, with a number of compelling storylines making the opening pay-per-view headliner of 2022 one not to miss.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY4baMPNZ1z/

    Ngannou Warns Gane Of “Big Risk”

    One of the biggest talking points heading into the January 22 event is the history between the two headliners. Ngannou and Gane used to be teammates over at Paris’ renowned MMA Factory gym. While the Cameroonian departed in 2018 and has since developed a bitter feud with Coach Fernand Lopez, France’s Gane remains a top name there.

    With recently released sparring footage showing the two elite heavyweights going at it in training, fans and pundits have discussed whether that experience facing one another will benefit either man. For Ngannou, a few sparring sessions years ago won’t play a part in this weekend’s result.

    “I am not actually very familiar with Gane – I have only trained with him less than eight times for a few weeks three years ago,” Ngannou told Stake. “That is not enough to know that much about it. Also, everyone has improved and worked on different things since then – so it doesn’t mean anything for me. But yes, he is an all-round good fighter whose abilities I am aware of.”

    While Ngannou acknowledges the talent and unique technical style Gane possesses, he believes his opponent’s strategy could be his downfall. “The Predator” suggested that if the interim champ attempts to outpoint him across 25 minutes, things won’t end well for “Bon Gamin.”

    “I heard Gane wants to go five rounds and win on points. That is definitely a big risk with my power to try and last that long,” added Ngannou. “It will have to be his very lucky day to survive the first round or two, let alone five. If he makes five rounds, it will be a big accomplishment for him.”

    With that in mind, Ngannou went on to predict another early knockout.

    “My prediction is that it will probably be a second-round knockout from me – or at least I will have knocked him out in under two rounds.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY4QezAtFRQ/

    If Ngannou’s prediction comes to fruition, it will maintain his 100% finishing record, a stat that’s seen him end all of his victories before the fights saw a third round. But if Gane is able to avoid the champ’s power, like he managed against Lewis and Jairzinho Rozenstruik in 2021, he’ll extend his unbeaten record to 11-0.

    Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 270, Francis Ngannou or Ciryl Gane?

  • Jon Jones Eager To Learn About Gane & Ngannou At UFC 270

    Jon Jones has his eyes on the top names at heavyweight this weekend.

    The former UFC light heavyweight champion mentioned that he will be watching UFC 270 this weekend when heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou faces interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. While he doesn’t have a prediction for this weekend’s fight, Jones says he is looking forward to learning about each fighter.

    Jones hopes to gain knowledge about the two top heavyweights before he debuts in the division later this year.

    “Really have no clue who’s going to win, I’m just excited to watch the fight,” he said in a Twitter post on Tuesday. “Going to learn so much about [them] both of them no matter how it goes down.”

    Jones Hopes For Move To Heavyweight

    Jon Jones
    Jon Jones (Image Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

    Jones has long hoped to move up a division and fight at heavyweight in the UFC. He vacated his light heavyweight belt in 2020, citing his intentions to leave the division. Due to his longstanding success at light heavyweight and his level of notoriety in the sport, he would be likely to go straight into the title picture when moving to heavyweight.

    In a recent poll done by TSN reporter Aaron Bronsteter, 73 percent of respondents picked Jon Jones over Stipe Miocic or “Others” facing the winner of Ngannou vs. Gane.

    Jones is recognized by many as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. He was the promotion’s 205-pound champ for the better part of a decade, earning the belt in 2011 and holding it for years to come.

    Many recognize Jones as a fighter who has yet to truly be beaten. His sole pro loss came in 2009 when illegal elbows he landed against Matt Hamill caused a disqualification result.

    Would you want Jon Jones to join the title picture when moving up to heavyweight?

  • Gane Reveals What He Told Lewis Immediately After UFC 265 Fight

    Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane has revealed what he told Derrick Lewis after finishing him in the UFC 265 main event last August.

    2021 was a fantastic year for breakout star Gane. Despite only transitioning from Muay Thai to mixed martial arts in 2018, the Frenchman has built an unblemished 10-0 record, made it to the world’s premier MMA promotion, and had UFC gold wrapped around his waist in the space of just three years.

    After establishing his name with victories over Raphael Passoa, Don’Tale Mayers, and Tanner Boxer, Gane shot up the heavyweight ladder with three main event wins last year. At two UFC Fight Nights, “Bon Gamin” outpointed powerhouse Jairzinho Rozenstruik and veteran striker Alexander Volkov.

    When titleholder Francis Ngannou was unable to defend his championship at Houston’s UFC 265, Gane was drafted in to face Lewis for the interim belt. Making the most of his opportunity, the 31-year-old dominated “The Black Beast” for two-and-a-half rounds, before finishing him via TKO in the third frame.

    Gane Comforted Lewis In The Octagon

    As Gane set up a blockbuster unification showdown with “The Predator,” set for UFC 270 next weekend, Lewis was left wondering what could have been. The veteran knockout artist was visibly upset in the cage, something Gane acknowledged at the time.

    During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, Gane revealed what he told Lewis when he went over to his defeated opponent in the Octagon inside the Toyota Center.

    “I said exactly what my feeling at this moment (was). Like, just, ‘I’m really confused, you’re in front of your fans, but it’s going to be okay, and I like you so much. You are really funny.’ I like this guy, really. Derrick Lewis is so (funny). I really like this guy,” said Gane. “And just good feeling, just good feelings. Like, ‘It’s going to be okay, you’re going to jump again into the cage and do very well,’ and he did it. So no, he’s really not finished and that’s why MMA and UFC is beautiful.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWpzhxhMECx/

    While Lewis rebounded in style last month by brutally knocking out rising contender Chris Daukaus in the UFC Vegas 45 main event, Gane has been training hard in preparation for his unification title fight against Ngannou.

    As well as being former teammates at Paris’ MMA Factory gym and the bitter feud between Ngannou and Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez, the champion’s current contractual uncertainty and boxing ambitions have provided a compelling story ahead of the opening UFC pay-per-view of 2022.

    Do you think Ciryl Gane has what it takes to survive Francis Ngannou’s power and leave UFC 270 as the undisputed champion?

  • Ciryl Gane Applauds Francis Ngannou’s Boxing Aspirations

    Ciryl Gane doesn’t mind UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou speaking about a possible crossover fight with boxer Tyson Fury.

    Ngannou and Gane have had quite the buildup to their showdown at UFC 270. While the two heavyweights haven’t gone at each other directly in the media, Ngannou’s issues with Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez are well-publicized.

    Ngannou and the UFC appear to still be at a crossroads regarding a new contract. His fight with Gane is the last bout on his deal if he loses his heavyweight title at UFC 270.

    Ngannou and Fury recently went at it on social media regarding a possible boxing match, but Gane doesn’t believe Ngannou is overlooking him. During a recent interview with Mirror and others, Gane reacted to Ngannou’s recent comments regarding a move to the boxing ring.

    “This is a smart move, this is a new move. Everybody knows you have more money in this game [boxing] for a long time, so yeah this is a smart move,” Gane said. “I think Francis is a smart guy, he talks about that and he talks about the future but he’s focused on the present. He knows he has a challenge with me, so I think he takes me serious.” (h/t Mirror)

    Gane is widely regarded as one of the most diverse strikers in the UFC, with incredible movement for a heavyweight. He could potentially give Ngannou all kinds of issues in their matchup.

    The two giants briefly trained together at MMA Factory in France before Ngannou was kicked out by Lopez due to allegedly being a bad teammate and not paying fees. Sparring footage of Gane and Ngannou has leaked during the pre-fight theatrics.

    If Ngannou is overlooking Gane, it’s clear that Gane would be the beneficiary. In what UFC president Dana White has called arguably the biggest heavyweight fight in years, both men look to cement themselves as potentially an all-time UFC great.

    What is your prediction for UFC 270?

  • Francis Ngannou Converting Half Of UFC 270 Purse To Bitcoin

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou intends to invest half of his purse from UFC 270 into Bitcoin and plans on giving a portion to fans.

    Ngannou is set to face interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane in the UFC 270 main event. This will be his first fight in the Octagon since earning the belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 last year.

    MMA journalist Ariel Helwani was the first the report the news via his Instagram page.

    In addition to converting half of his purse into cryptocurrency, Ngannou will also partner up with Cash App to giveaway $300,000 worth of Bitcoin to fans through his Twitter and Instagram pages.

    Ngannou’s reported purse conversion comes just weeks after former UFC title challenger Kevin Lee announced that he would be paid exclusively in Bitcoin for his fights in Eagle FC. He signed with the promotion last month after being let go by the UFC.

    Ngannou joins a long list of current and former athletes who are dipping their toes into the world of cryptocurrency. Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren along with NFL stars Aaron Rodgers and Odell Beckham Jr. are just a few of the names involved in Bitcoin.

    Ngannou’s fight against Gane could be his last with the UFC, as he and the promotion are still working to come to terms on a new deal. While UFC President Dana White has remained optimistic that a deal can get done, Ngannou has voiced his displeasure with how he’s been treated by the promotion in recent months and years.

    It’s unclear if Ngannou’s partnership with Cash App and cryptocurrency will be a long-term deal or a short-term one, but it’s clear that Bitcoin is continuing to make waves in the world of sports.

    What is your reaction to Francis Ngannou converting a portion of his purse to Bitcoin?

  • Francis Ngannou Teases Big Surprises Ahead Of Ciryl Gane Matchup

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou may have some surprises in store for Ciryl Gane during their clash at UFC 270.

    Ngannou will make his first heavyweight title defense against the interim champ Gane to kick-off 2022. This is his first fight in the Octagon since earning the belt over Stipe Miocic in a vicious knockout at UFC 260 last year.

    Ngannou has always been known for his knockout power, but his takedown defense and overall grappling showed big gains in his last fight. While he’ll always be a striker first, he’s looking to prove that he’s not one-dimensional in his approach.

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Megan Olivi, Ngannou tells fans to expect the unexpected at UFC 270.

    “I’m cooking something that I’m gonna surprise people with. They think they have seen a lot of my tools, and I’m coming up with something. Having those short fights never really (gave) me an opportunity to showcase what I’m capable of. And I think this might be the opportunity, and I’m getting ready for that, January 22. It’s gonna be like a (completely) different fighter in the best way.

    Francis Ngannou
    Francis Ngannou (Image Credit: Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

    “Obviously, the power’s still gonna be there. I won’t take that off. It’s a good thing to always have in your pocket in case you need it. Because even though I want to really (put on a show), I won’t say no to a knockout, even if it comes in the first minute. So January 22, you’re gonna understand why I’m the champ.”

    Ngannou will more than likely need a balanced approach to his fight with Gane. A former teammate of his at MMA Factory, Gane has shown a diverse skillset in recent wins over Derrick Lewis and Junior dos Santos. His movement has been compared to that of a modern-day welterweight.

    Things have become tense between Ngannou and his former coach Fernand Lopez, but Gane recently assured fans that there’s no bad blood between the two heavyweight titans. If the recent buildup and interviews are any indication, Ngannou and Gane look to put on an all-time classic at UFC 270.

    What is your prediction for Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane?

  • Covington Backs “Efficient” Gane To Show Ngannou’s Quit At UFC 270

    UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has given his prediction for the upcoming UFC 270 heavyweight main event between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane.

    Covington, who knows a thing or two about championship headliners, will no doubt be watching intently like the rest of the MMA community when two of the world’s best heavyweights meet inside the Octagon. The collision is fueled by gym drama, a contractual dispute, and a clash of styles.

    Ngannou, the reigning champion, will be defending his gold for the first time on January 22. He won the belt in a rematch with Stipe Miocic last March. However, he’s been on the sidelines ever since, embroiled in a public feud with the UFC over his treatment and current deal.

    While “The Predator” has been occupied by matters away from the cage, Gane has been climbing the ranks and putting himself in position to dethrone his former MMA factory teammate. With three main event wins in 2021, “Bon Gamin” extended his unblemished record to 10-0 and had interim gold wrapped around his waist as an unbeaten fighter.

    Covington: Gane Will Wear Ngannou Down

    The first pay-per-view main event of 2022 will pit together the classic heavyweight style versus the new breed. The question is, can Ngannou’s immense power get the better of Gane’s technical skill and hit and not be hit mindset? Colby “Chaos” Covington has provided his answer.

    Speaking to combat sports journalist Helen Yee, the former interim welterweight titleholder suggested Gane will be able to use his footwork and efficient style to tire out “The Predator,” who will no doubt be looking to wind up for a big KO shot throughout.

    “That’s a tough one (to predict). I think Ciryl will get him. I think that his footwork and the way he moves around, kickboxes, and he’s really efficient with his energy. He’s not like, looking to load up and knock you out like Francis is. I think he’ll wear Francis out.”

    Covington also cited Ngannou’s loss to Miocic at UFC 220 in 2018 as evidence the champ has quit in him, something he believes “Bon Gamin” will show come January 22.

    “We’ve seen in the past that Francis has that quit in him. The first Stipe fight he had a lot of quit in him, and he put his head down and you could just see he gassed out. All that muscle, you need a lot of oxygen to get to that muscle. My official prediction, I think Gane gets the heavyweight title.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CUDHthMsRuP/

    Having already joined the likes of Cain Velasquez, Israel Adesanya, and Khabib Nurmagomedov in the elite club of undefeated titleholders, Gane will look to go one step further later this month by becoming the first French-born undisputed champion in UFC history.

    Do you agree with Colby Covington’s prediction for Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane?

  • Ciryl Gane Assures It Isn’t Personal Between Him And Francis Ngannou

    UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane says despite the tense UFC 270 buildup, he doesn’t have anything against Francis Ngannou.

    Gane is set to face Ngannou in arguably the best heavyweight fight in UFC history at UFC 270. He earned the interim title at UFC 265 over Derrick Lewis in a dominant performance.

    During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Gane shared his thoughts on Ngannou as a person after things have become tense leading up to the event.

    “We’ll shake hands before, during, and after the fight,” Gane said. “I have nothing against him. He’s just my opponent, I have no deal with him. Just an opponent, that’s it.”

    Ciryl Gane’s Coach Has The Most Beef With Francis Ngannou

    Gane and Ngannou used to train together at MMA Factory in France, and leaked sparring footage is part of what has caused a rift between Ngannou and his former coach, Fernand Lopez. In a variety of interviews, Lopez has attacked Ngannou’s character and added more spice to the buildup.

    Ngannou has gone on the record saying he has no relationship with his former coach after allegedly being close for years. Lopez went as far as calling Ngannou a “f**king liar” over his denial of alleged Gane sabotage.

    The speculation in regards to Ngannou and Lopez’s relationship began after the two sides had an awkward run-in backstage at UFC 268. While Ngannou and Gane have each denied that this fight isn’t personal for them, it’s hard to doubt that there won’t be a bit of extra motivation for each man to get their hand raised.

    What is your prediction for Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane?