UFC: Ciryl Gane bows to Francis Ngannou for UFC heavyweight title


Ciryl Gane lost to Francis Ngannou this Sunday, January 23 for the UFC heavyweight title in Anaheim, California (United States).

“Sorry !” This is the first word that came out of the mouth of the French MMA fighter in front of the camera when returning to his camp after five rounds and in particular a final takedown by the Cameroonian. And that was the big surprise of this matchup between the two former MMA Factory sparring partners.

While Ciryl Gane, after a relaxed entry as usual (on the rhythm of “Gangsta Party” by Tupac), entered this fight perfectly by winning the first two rounds with her usual style punctuated by her kicks. What to imagine the best?

Except that opposite, to everyone’s surprise, and while everyone thought he was without a solution and perhaps tired, Francis Ngannou pulled off a masterstroke in the third round by taking the Frenchman several times . Until winning after five rounds and the unanimous decision.

Ngannou thus retains his UFC world heavyweight champion belt, adding a 17th victory to his record (3 losses) and inflicting Gane his first setback in 11 fights.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me. I’m sorry but congratulations to Francis. He did exactly what was needed to beat me. I’m a little sad but it’s a good experience for me. I have just recently arrived at the UFC”, confided “Bon Gamin” who will return for a new world chance.

“It’s a big relief,” Ngannou told RMC after the fight. My last 10 months have not been easy. I had several psychological pressures but I knew that the most important thing was to keep a cool head. The floor was a possibility, I was more confident about my fight. I train with someone who is very famous in this field. For some time, I feel that my level is changing but I had not yet had the opportunity to prove it. As I had a disability with a torn anterior cruciate ligament 3 weeks ago, I took the opportunity because I was not very stable on my knee. This saved me from suffocating my knee. (Regarding Ciryl Gane) Yes, it’s a good feeling to beat Ciryl Gane, who was a very good opponent even if some people think that I considered him my opponent, which was not the case. If I hadn’t been there, he would certainly have taken the belt (…).

The following ? Will Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane meet again or will the Cameroonian go to English boxing? “Everything is possible for the future,” he said. We have to resolve the situation with the UFC, which has been very tense lately. I have the maximum number of cards in my hand. Either they’ll manage to negotiate or they’ll release me. I fight freedom and independence, that’s all. I think every fighter should be in a position to speak out without fear of reprisal. Even for those just starting out, it’s a right. There is no need to be in a strong position to claim what is due.

Ciryl Gane’s interview in L’Arène Podcast





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