Dana White takes drastic measure and vetoes Ciryl Gane from becoming the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

Dana White at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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Dana White didn't want to wait for UFC 331 , this Saturday (19), in California (USA) and, a day before, dropped a real bombshell. The company president surprised fans and MMA professionals by announcing that Ciryl Gane , holder of the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg), will not assume the status of undisputed champion. More than that, the executive signaled that the Frenchman will return to action in the coming months.

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The top spot in the traditional category was left vacant last Monday (14), after Tom Aspinall gave up the linear belt . Away since October due to the eye pokes he received from Gane, the Englishman, who underwent several surgeries and was preparing to return to fighting, suffered a new injury in the region and will have to prolong his absence. In order not to stall the division and harm the athletes, the star made the decision.

Therefore, many imagined that the Frenchman, having won the interim belt by brutally knocking out Alex Poatan in the second round in June at the White House, would automatically become the new heavyweight champion, as naturally happens. However, Dana White made it clear that, to be recognized as the undisputed champion, Gane will retain the interim title and will have to prove himself in the octagon again.

“No. He still needs to fight. He will fight soon, very soon. We'll see how all this unfolds with Aspinall. Gane will fight and we'll see who becomes the champion. This isn't the first time this has happened. It's nothing new. This happens sometimes. It's a shame and it's not the best outcome, but it is what it is,” the official said in an interview with 'Sportsnet'.

Gane promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Who can Gane face?

With the update provided by Dana White, Ciryl Gane has three possible opponents. The Englishman could have a rematch against Alex Poatan , since the latter still hasn't accepted the defeat and continues to complain about the blows he received to the back of the head, face the fearsome Sergei Pavlovich , or deal with the popular bad boy Josh Hokit , who is always very vocal.

UFC Heavyweight Ranking

Champion – absent after Tom Aspinall relinquished the title.

1 – Cyril Gane

2 – Alexander Volkov

3 – Sergei Pavlovich

4 – Alex Poatan

5 – Rizvan Kuniev

6 – Josh Hokit

7 – Curtis Blaydes

8 – Waldo Cortes Acosta

9 – Vitor Petrino

10 – Mario Pinto

11 – Walter Walker

12 – Brando Pericic

13 – Serghei Spivac

14 – Mick Parkin

15 – Shamil Gaziev

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