Watch how that interim heavyweight title played out at UFC 265.
Headlining UFC 265 was a perfectly fine bout between heavyweight contenders in Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane, but it was heavily criticized for the UFC’s decision to make it an interim title bout. They prioritized ESPN PPV scheduling above valuing their belt or their freshly crowned heavyweight champion in Francis Ngannou.
Gane looked really sharp and disciplined though, as he picked apart Lewis and chopped his leg down. It was a great performance and now they have a new interim champion. Hopefully they can unite the belts soon and get rid of that weird and unnecessary title.
Watch highlights from the main event bout, along with a snippet from our play-by-play of UFC 265 below:
Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane, Round 3
Lewis is trying to be more aggressive, but Gane is cagey. Gane clips the leg and is a bit staggered. Gane presses! Big knees! I don’t know if Lewis is hurt or not, he’s hard to read. Oh shit he just dropped his mouthpiece! After two leg kicks and a punch in the mush. Big Mirg gives him a break to put to put the mouthpiece back in! But upon the reset, Gane lit him up! He’s down! NEW CHAMP!
On the edge of our seats for this one #UFC265 pic.twitter.com/Km8yykha1a
— UFC (@ufc) August 8, 2021
Gane poniendo combinaciones juntas y atacando en round 1, busca la ventaja! #UFC265 pic.twitter.com/8butStpTI7
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) August 8, 2021
Se acaba en el tercero! @Ciryl_Gane se lleva el campeonato interino con una pelea calculada! #UFC265 pic.twitter.com/22w7pGXZnE
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) August 8, 2021
Complete domination by @ciryl_gane #UFC265 pic.twitter.com/ObgQkLdaYD
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 8, 2021