C. Gane is the former interim UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
No UFC 270, event held on January 22, Cyryl Gane had the chance to become linear champion of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg.) in Ultimate, but ended up defeated by Francis Ngannou in the judges' decision. Now, the Frenchman looks back on his performance and says he could have finished the Cameroonian with an ankle lock in the fifth round.
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“I was the challenger and I wanted to defeat him. However, when the fight is very close, it is not a good plan to reach a decision (from the judges). So, I planned with my coach to end the fight on the fast track and that's why I took the takedown. I did very well and made the choice to go for the ankle. Unfortunately, I made some mistakes in my technique, but I was at an adjusted level to do this. And I don't regret it. I was just a little tired, so that's why I couldn't finish it,” Gane recalled in an interview with 'The MMA Hour'.
Despite considering that he could have beaten Francis, Ciryl tried to congratulate his former training partner. He, however, believes he was superior in striking and on the ground.
“Congratulations to Francis (Ngannou), because I think I was better in striking and on the ground, too. If you see, he can't do much with ground and pound, because my technique is good. He used the power of Wrestling and, unfortunately, managed to reverse the situation. He was on top and didn't do much, but I respect him and his team, because despite not doing much, he won the fight,” he concluded.
The defeat for Francis Ngannou was the first in his career Cyryl Gane. An MMA professional since 2018, the former interim champion of the division now has a record of ten wins and one setback in his career.
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