- Francis Ngannou reacted to Ciryl Gane’s performance at UFC Paris
- The reigning champion provided an update on his recovery
Many are still buzzing about Ciryl Gane and his electrifying KO win over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris. The Frenchman proved that he’s still the No. 1 contender and there’s nobody deserving of that title shot against Francis Ngannou but him.
The reigning UFC heavyweight champion, on the other hand, thinks “Bon Gamin” is good but not as good as him.
The champ’s take
Speaking to ESPN MMA after the fight, Ngannou it’s “really hard” to be impressed with his Gane because even though it was a great performance, there’s a reason why he’s the champ and “Bon Gamin” is the No. 1 contender.
“Well, I know he’s a great fighter,” Ngannou said of Gane. “It’s hard to respond to that question for a guy that I beat if I’m impressed with him. I mean he’s here for a reason. I fought him for a reason, because he’s the No. 1 contender… Yes, he’s good, but I’m the champ. So really hard to be impressed. Great performance.”
“That fight was very electric, though. It was good action in the fight, and then at some point you see the fight was half-half, and then it switched back to Ciryl’s side, which is what I thought,” he added… Because as far as distance, he’s good at controlling that and he was able to apply that in the fight tonight. You can see the body kicks, that’s what got him the victory. He [had a strategical], technical type of a fight.”
An update on his return
A knee surgery has been keeping Ngannou sidelined since his successful title defense against Gane earlier this year. And while a rematch seems viable, “The Predator” is still unsure when he will be able to make his return.
“I don’t have any whispers [about what’s next] right now since I don’t have any timeline for the return,” Ngannou said. “I’m going to see the doctor I think one week from now. I’m following up with the doctor so they’re going to check and see how it’s going… But it’s going pretty good, but you have to give it some time. It’s not like it’s going to be great. It’s been five months so kind of have some more time.”
If Ngannou will take more time to recover, Gane said that he will be open for interim title fights while waiting. Let’s see what will happen next.
