C. Gane faces D. Lewis for the interim heavyweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The announcement that the UFC would make an interim heavyweight belt (up to 120,2kg) with a fight between Cyryl Gane e Derrick Lewis caught most MMA fighters and fans by surprise. The Frenchman, however, confesses that there was already talk about the duel before he even won Alexander Volkov in the unanimous decision of the judges, in a fight that was the main attraction of the UFC Las Vegas 30.
See too
“We already knew why just before the fight (with Volkov). The UFC texted Fernando Lopez (Gane's trainer) a message like: 'Yes, it's the semi-final. So, do your work and we'll see later,'” Gane said in an interview with 'MMA Junkie'.
Furthermore, the Frenchman highlights that the possibility of having a fight for the interim belt only motivated him even more to fight. According to him, the speculation did not influence his presentation.
“It's good news, but I was very focused on the fight and without pressure. I just said, 'Man, okay, that's good news, but I have to do the work before that.' So, I focused completely on my work and the fight against Volkov”, concluded the Frenchman.
The linear champion, Francis Ngannou, won the title in March this year, when he knocked out Stipe Miocic. Still, around three months later, Ultimate decided to promote 'Gane x Lewis', valid for the interim belt, and the winner must face the French-Cameroonian next.
Comments