Gane says fight against Rozenstruik ‘makes sense’ next

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Ciryl Gane thinks his next UFC opponent will be the experienced kickboxer Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Fresh off his win over Junior Dos Santos, the undefeated UFC heavyweight Ciryl Gane has exp…


UFC 256: Dos Santos v Gane
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Ciryl Gane thinks his next UFC opponent will be the experienced kickboxer Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Fresh off his win over Junior Dos Santos, the undefeated UFC heavyweight Ciryl Gane has explained why he thinks his next fight will be against Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Gane (7-0) picked up his fourth win in the UFC earlier this month against Dos Santos, knocking out the former champion at UFC 256. The Frenchman picked up three of his wins in the second half of 2019 and has quickly become an exciting prospect in the heavyweight division.

“This makes sense,” Gane said of a fight with Rozenstruik to MMA Junkie. “He is not booked, so we tried to do it for January if I’m not mistaken, but with Christmas he needs time, so we’ll see. I don’t know when exactly, but I think it’s gonna be that guy.”

Rozenstruik (11-1) was arguably 2019’s Fighter of the Year, picking up four wins all by stoppage. The best of the bunch was a last-gasp KO of Alistair Overeem after losing the majority of the fight. “Bigi Boi” has fought twice in 2020, losing to Francis Ngannou by stoppage in May but rebounding with a win over Dos Santos at UFC 252.

“There aren’t that many people above me,” Gane continued. “There are fights already booked and Rozenstruik isn’t, so I think it’s probably with this guy. But if you ask me who I want – anyone. I’m on my way, so let’s go.”

Also rumored for March is the return of UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, who is likely to rematch the number one contender Ngannou. Jon Jones is expected to face the winner of that fight.