- Ciryl Gane has no problem waiting for Francis Ngannou’s return
- “Bon Gamin” is open to having an interim title fight for his next match
No. 1 contender Ciryl Gane did not disappoint his hometown fans after pulling off a stunning comeback win over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris. Tuivasa was able to hurt Gane and even knocked him down in Round 2. However, “Bon Gamin” bounced back and battered Tuivasa’s body before capping it off with a devastating uppercut.
THE HOMETOWN HERO JUST TORE THE ROOF OFF THE @ACCOR_ARENA!!!! 🇫🇷
[ @Ciryl_Gane | #UFCParis ] pic.twitter.com/8jTZ5ndYqa
— UFC (@ufc) September 3, 2022
What everyone wants to know now is what’s next for Gane. A title fight rematch with the reigning UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou makes a sensible case but “Bon Gamin” is also open to fighting for an interim belt.
No Ngannou, no problem
Speaking in his post-fight press conference, Gane said that it’s totally fine if Ngannou’s return takes longer than expected. For the meantime, adding his name into the mix of potential interim fights at the heavyweight division sounds good for the Frenchman.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen exactly,” Gane told reporters. “I think nobody is knowing what’s going to happen. They had a big turnover in this division at this moment. I don’t know if there’s going to be an interim title. I don’t know when he is going to come back if he stays in the division, Francis. I don’t know when he wants to fight (or is) able to fight. I don’t know exactly, but no matter who. I say every time, anyone-anywhere. But now I’m looking for the belt… I understand the UFC needs to manage this situation. It’s not easy. He has big injuries and big surgeries, so I can understand. If I don’t want to wait a long time, then yes, I’m OK with an interim title. This would put me on the first line for the belt here.”
There’s more work to do
Coming off a huge win, Gane’s confidence level is undeniable. However, he is certain he needs to “do better” if he ever cross paths with Ngannou once again.
“I think Francis did very well because he had more experience, more maturity,” Gane said. “He did a really great (job). That’s why I don’t think he was way better than me on this day, but he did really better. If tomorrow I have my revenge, I must do a better (job).”
With Jon Jones already generating buzz ahead of his heavyweight debut, it will be interesting to see how things will play with Gane also presenting a strong case for another crack at UFC gold.
