F. Ngannou (left) is the lineal heavyweight champion, while C. Gane (right) holds the interim title. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
On the 22th of January, Francis Ngannou e Cyryl Gane face each other in the main fight of UFC 270, meaning the unification of the organization's heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) belts. According to the former category champion, Fabricio Werdum, the title has a good chance of changing hands.
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In an interview with the Spanish-language channel of the North American website “MMA Junkie”, Fabricio Werdum highlighted the fact that Ngannou and Gane are former teammates and analyzed the duel, which for him, will be played standing up.
“It's a very good match, because the two used to train together in the past. There's a video that came out of them sparring, and the Frenchman looked better. The champion Francis Ngannou It's very good, obviously. He is very strong and very impressive. I don't think he's that complete of a fighter, but he's the champion, so it's hard to criticize him. I believe he has a hole in his ground game, but the Frenchman also has one, we haven't seen it yet. It should be a stand-up fight”, analyzed the gaucho.
According to Werdum, the biggest difference in the fight could be the mental factor. For the former champion, Cyryl Gane has an advantage in this aspect.
“I think Gane can surprise Ngannou, because the two trained together and Gane is a very conscious fighter, who fights well and calmly. Ngannou is calm, but can be a little emotional. He'll have to be careful. It's going to be a very good fight, but I'm putting my money on the Frenchman. He is intelligent, calm, controls the fight and distance well. I don’t think he’s going to knock out Ngannou, but I see him winning on points”, Werdum bet.
Werdum also spoke about the video of Francis Ngannou ignoring Ciryl Gane backstage at UFC 268, which went viral on social media. According to the Brazilian, the Cameroonian was right not to be friendly with his former colleague before such a crucial fight.
“I think Ngannou was right not to be so friendly. They trained together. You can't have what in Brazil we call 'sweet blood'. Can't be that friendly. After the fight you can be friends, drink something together, but not before, because it's for the UFC title, it's an important fight. I think Ngannou was right to ignore it. I've had experiences like this and lost because of it. You have to be careful”, concluded Werdum.
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