Tag: Ciryl Gane

Ciryl Gane rejects Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training offer: ‘I have another job, and that’s to be a father’

Ciryl GaneHeavyweight contender Ciryl Gane has respectfully declined Khabib Nurmagomedov’s offer to help him evolve his ground game after a less-than-stellar showing against Jon Jones earlier this year. Gane’s lack of wrestling skills has arguably cost him the opportunity to become a UFC champion on two separate occasions. After coming up short against Francis Ngannou at […]

Ciryl Gane

Heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane has respectfully declined Khabib Nurmagomedov’s offer to help him evolve his ground game after a less-than-stellar showing against Jon Jones earlier this year.

Gane’s lack of wrestling skills has arguably cost him the opportunity to become a UFC champion on two separate occasions. After coming up short against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 last year, ‘Bon Gamin’ found himself with another opportunity to reach the top of the mountain in March, squaring off with Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight crown. Fans were expecting a highly competitive contest between two of the sport’s greatest strikers. Instead, they were treated to a quick two-minute matchup that saw Jones easily take down and submit Gane.

The loss prompted one of the greatest grapplers in the history of the game, Khabib Nurmagomedov, to reach out and offer Gane some assistance in honing his skills on the mat. However, Gane can’t see himself venturing off to Russia for months at a time, leaving his family behind in the process.

“This is really kind of him, but I have another job, and that’s to be a father,” Gane told Mirror Fighting. “I have two daughters, and this is a big job. People underestimate this. To leave my family for six months for me impossible. Some people talk about one year and stuff like that. If I go for two or three weeks, my family misses me a lot. To bring some people to the gym, that is possible. Having those high-level guys in judo, wrestling, and boxing.”

Ciryl Gane’s Meteoric Rise Through the Ranks

Making his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2018, Ciryl Gane’s meteoric rise to the top of the ranks was largely due to his status as one of the most active fighters in the division. In the span of four years, ‘Bon Gamin’ has already competed under the UFC banner an astonishing 10 times, with his eleventh fight scheduled to arrive before the end of the year.

“Just four years ago, nobody knew me, and it was easy to sleep in the gym. Now it’s different. I’ve got a lot solicitation, so I must manage this also,” he added. “Like everyone in this sport, when you have success, you must prepare for life after your career. Just like Conor McGregor and Khabib have done, preparing for life after fighting. This makes sense because you cannot fight for 30 years. I was already in a rush when I started MMA. We did fight after fight, so that’s why my career has gone so fast also.”

Ciryl Gane will attempt to bounce back this September when the promotion returns to Paris. Standing in his way of a return to the win column will be streaking heavyweight standout Serghei Spivac. The Ukrainian ‘Polar Bear’ has earned three-straight knockouts against Greg Hardy, Augusto Sakai, and Derrick Lewis.

Francis Ngannou’s back was against the wall going into Ciryl Gane fight: ‘I thought man, we’re in trouble’

NgannouLegendary coach Dewey Cooper revealed that confidence was at an all-time low in the weeks leading up to Francis Ngannou’s UFC heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane last year. ‘The Predator’ has dominated headlines over the last few weeks following the announcement that he had signed on the dotted line with the Professional Fighters League. […]

Ngannou

Legendary coach Dewey Cooper revealed that confidence was at an all-time low in the weeks leading up to Francis Ngannou’s UFC heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane last year.

‘The Predator’ has dominated headlines over the last few weeks following the announcement that he had signed on the dotted line with the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou revealed details of his ground-breaking contract which will guarantee himself and his future opponents a multi-million dollar payday along with a slew of other perks that will serve to benefit the mixed martial arts community as a whole. Needless to say, things are going great for the former heavyweight champion. But if you asked members of his team how things were looking just before his first and only title defense against Ciryl Gane, the situation would have seemed undeniably dire.

Speaking with John Morgan of MMA Underground, Dewey Cooper revealed that everything was going according to plan until Francis Ngannou blew out his knee three weeks before his scheduled scrap at UFC 270. With no contract in place, a brutal injury, and a high-stakes matchup on the horizon, Cooper admitted that everyone on the team was bearing down for the absolute worst.

Dewey Cooper Says Francis Ngannou Was Ready to Accept the Consequences of Losing to Ciryl Gane

“There’s a certain profoundness in having the courage to step off that cliff. Because you could die from that fall, or you could be lifted to astronomical levels,” Cooper said. “Going into that Ciryl Gane fight, Francis looked spectacular in the gym, I’ve talked about it many times. I was like, Francis is gonna kill someone – he destroys his knee three weeks out.

“Everyone, myself, coach Eric, Marquel, everyone, was saying man, this is your last fight, you refused to sign your restructured new contract, you are crazy to take this fight. If you lose you’re gonna get banished and you’re gonna get lowballed. Francis knew the repercussions of losing. In all actuality, with the injury he had, success went from 100% to, I don’t wanna say the percentage, but it wasn’t very high!

“I believed in him but I thought man, we’re in trouble,” Cooper admitted. “Anyway, for him to still get a multimillion-dollar offer a few days before the fight, which most people would’ve signed right there… For Francis not to sign, take that fight and win it the way he won it, and to then take a year off because of the championship clause, it’s crazy. But guess what? All of his thoughts on what he wanted were bigger than the money, man” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Francis Ngannou is expected to make his Smart Cage debut in 2024. Before then, ‘The Predator’ has his sights set on trying his hand at the sweet science before 2023 comes to a close. When, where and against who is yet to be determined, but Ngannou insists that a fight inside the squared circle will happen whether it be against a big name like Tyson Fury or a tune-up fight ahead of his return to MMA.

Francis Ngannou scoffs at Dana White after rant following UFC Vegas 73: ‘What’s your problem with me?’

Francis Ngannou Dana White rant following PFL move what's your problemFormer UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou took to Twitter today with some harsh words for Dana White. White has been very public about his views on former star Ngannou. This started when Ngannou first left the company as a free agent. The UFC president took to the media and claimed ‘The Predator’ was “impossible” to […]

Francis Ngannou Dana White rant following PFL move what's your problem

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou took to Twitter today with some harsh words for Dana White.

White has been very public about his views on former star Ngannou. This started when Ngannou first left the company as a free agent. The UFC president took to the media and claimed ‘The Predator’ was “impossible” to work with. That his stipulations for the contract were ludicrous, and that Ngannou was essentially just foolish and ruining his career.

Now, the PFL and Ngannou have recently announced successful negotiations that will not only secure Francis Ngannou the money he feels he deserves, but also make him the CEO of PFL Africa. This will be a venture ‘The Predator’ will lead in an attempt to give more Africans a chance to attain MMA superstardom such as he did. Not only that but it is rumored that all of Ngannou’s opponents will now make an astonishing $2 million of guaranteed money.

The UFC president completely ridiculed this deal and essentially made it out as the PFL had just signed their own death certificate and will now be burning money instead of making any.

“Based on what I know about the deal, which is not much, it makes no sense to me,” Dana White told the media in Las Vegas (H/T MMA Fighting). “You’re going to pay a guy not to fight for a year, and it’s already been like (14) months. He’s fought three times in the last three years.”

White went on to criticize the deal even further, before speaking on the PFL burning money with the Ngannou deal and their looming potential buyout of Bellator.

Dana White blasts the PFL and Francis Ngannou, Ngannou responds

“I’ve got no beef with the PFL,” White clarified (H/T MMA Mania). “These guys have always been super professional and never talked any smack. You know me if I don’t like you … I don’t hold back — I’ll let you have it. I’m hearing that they’re raising money right now, $280 million, $300 million from the Middle East — I don’t know what the number is from the Middle East.”

“I’ve done a lot of business in the Middle East,” White continued. “Those guys are sharp. I don’t know who in the hell would give them $280 million. I’m hearing they’re buying Bellator. So, you’re an organization that’s burning cash, you have no ratings and selling no tickets, and you’re going to raise $280 million to buy a company that’s burning cash, sells no tickets, and does no ratings. It sounds f—king absolutely genius to me.”

Not taking too kindly to this, Francis Ngannou would respond on Twitter with a list of clarifications that directly contradict what the UFC President has claimed.

“What is your problem with me?” Francis Ngannou implored. “1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me 2. I hate taking risks? That’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no ACL or MCL?”

“3. The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and sign a new one. And freeze me out.” Francis Ngannou continued. “’I owe these guys three fights a year.’ Isn’t that what you say? What happened? I always asked for & never said no to any fight in the 3 years. I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?”

Do you think Francis Ngannou made a mistake by leaving the UFC, or is he a genius for doing so?

Ciryl Gane eyes September return after UFC 285 title defeat, future fight with Sergei Pavlovich

Ciryl Gane eyes September return to UFC future fight with Sergei PavlovichCiryl Gane is eyeing a return to the Octagon two months removed from his shocking first-round submission loss at the hands of Jon Jones. With the UFC heavyweight championship vacated following the departure of former titleholder Francis Ngannou, Ciryl Gane was once again the recipient of an opportunity to capture his first piece of UFC […]

Ciryl Gane eyes September return to UFC future fight with Sergei Pavlovich

Ciryl Gane is eyeing a return to the Octagon two months removed from his shocking first-round submission loss at the hands of Jon Jones.

With the UFC heavyweight championship vacated following the departure of former titleholder Francis Ngannou, Ciryl Gane was once again the recipient of an opportunity to capture his first piece of UFC told. Standing in his way would be Jon Jones, the former 205-pound king who was making his long-awaited heavyweight debut. Fans expecting a back-and-forth striking war instead were left stunned after ‘Bones’ locked in a guillotine choke, forcing Gane to submit just past the two-minute mark of the very first round.

Since then, ‘Bon Gamin’ has been working to improve his game en route to another potential UFC title opportunity down the line. Speaking with James Lynch, Ciryl Gane’s coach and the proprietor of MMA Factory in France, Fernand Lopez, revealed that they are targeting a return in September. As for who they expect to face, Lopez suggested streaking heavyweight knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich.

“Sergei Pavlovich would be a good opponent,” Lopez suggested.

Could Ciryl Gane End Sergei Pavlovich’s Impressive Knockout Streak?

The 18-1 Russian standout is currently riding a six-fight win streak inside the Octagon, all coming via knockout in the very first round. In his most recent appearance, Pavlovich dispatched Curtis Blaydes in just over three minutes during a UFC Fight Night main event in April. Prior to that, he earned KOs over notable heavyweight stars including Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa.

The victory over Blaydes moved Pavlovich into the No. 2 spot on the heavyweight rankings, one spot behind one-time interim champion Ciryl Gane. Previously, Pavlovich indicated he would wait for the winner of a potential heavyweight showdown between titleholder Jon Jones and general consensus heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic. The probability that both of those fighters hang up their gloves once their fight is in the books could encourage Pavlovich to take another fight in the division before securing his inevitable title opportunity.

Would you like to see Ciryl Gane take on Sergei Pavlovich later this year?

Colby Covington claims Jon Jones, Ciryl Gane UFC fight looked fixed: ‘It looked like it was a work’

Colby Covington claims Jon Jones Ciryl Gane fight looked rigged UFCUpon the arrival of the UFC’s consensus greatest fighter of all time, a heavyweight debut proved to be successful, but Colby Covington suspects match fixing. After a three-year layoff, Jon Jones took center stage at UFC 285 against a very dangerous and unique heavyweight, Ciryl Gane. In just two minutes, Jones submitted Gane in a […]

Colby Covington claims Jon Jones Ciryl Gane fight looked rigged UFC

Upon the arrival of the UFC’s consensus greatest fighter of all time, a heavyweight debut proved to be successful, but Colby Covington suspects match fixing.

After a three-year layoff, Jon Jones took center stage at UFC 285 against a very dangerous and unique heavyweight, Ciryl Gane.

In just two minutes, Jones submitted Gane in a near flawless performance to become the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

Colby Covington, who continues to make new foes on a daily basis, has never had kind words to share about Jones.

The two were college roommates at Iowa Central Community College for two years according to Covington, and he accused Jones of several wrongdoings such as steroid usage.

Jones has come out and denied ever sharing a room with Covington which raised many questions.

In a recent interview with James Lynch, Colby Covington said that there is a genuine possibility of match-fixing in favour of Jones. 

“Honestly, it looked like it was a work,” he added. “It looks like it was a fix. Maybe Jon Jones’ brothers went over to France and told Ciryl that they’re gonna pay him under the table to take a dive because that’s honestly what it looked like.”

Jones stole the world’s attention during his return at the T-Mobile Arena, and has since reclaimed his suitable position as the pound-for-pound #1.

Surprisingly, Covington did not question this decision, and he in fact believes that Jones is deserving of that top ranking.

“He probably should,” Covington said. “He’s never lost a fight in the Octagon. He has that one loss, it’s a DQ, but his body of work definitely speaks a lot more volumes than Islam [Makhachev]. He hasn’t even defended the belt yet, so I have no problem with that.”

Colby Covington campaigns for UFC welterweight title shot

Covington was seen front row at UFC 286 yelling at Leon Edwards, calling for his title shot.

During the post fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that Colby Covington is next in line to challenge Edwards for his belt.

35-year-old ‘Chaos’ has not fought since UFC 272, where he came out with a dominant decision victory in a very personal rubber match with Jorge Masvidal.

Dana White claims Jon Jones would have beaten Francis Ngannou the ‘Exact’ same way as Ciryl Gane at UFC 285

Dana White Francis Ngannou Jon Jones Beat Him UFCUFC president, Dana White maintains he is still uninterested in a much-anticipated heavyweight showdown between former division champion, Francis Ngannou and recently minted titleholder, Jon Jones – claiming the latter would likely defeat the Cameroon native in “exactly” the same manner he did Ciryl Gane earlier this month. Headlining UFC 285 earlier this month in […]

Dana White Francis Ngannou Jon Jones Beat Him UFC

UFC president, Dana White maintains he is still uninterested in a much-anticipated heavyweight showdown between former division champion, Francis Ngannou and recently minted titleholder, Jon Jones – claiming the latter would likely defeat the Cameroon native in “exactly” the same manner he did Ciryl Gane earlier this month.

Headlining UFC 285 earlier this month in his return to the Octagon for the first time in over three years, former two-time light heavyweight champion, Jones added to his trophy cabinet with a stunning guillotine choke win over Gane – stopping the Frenchman inside two minutes. 

Long linked with a potential showdown with Batié native, Ngannou – Jones saw the bout fall to the wayside – likely for the foreseeable, when the former departed the UFC back in January, after completing his contractual obligations with the promotion back in December of last year.

Dana White still unmoved by Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou fight in the future

Set to entertain offers to make a potential move to professional boxing, Ngannou’s ability to defeat Jones in a clamoured-for fight has been knocked back by UFC leader, White, who believes the former champion would face a similar fate to Gane at UFC 285.

“I’m not interested,” Dana White said of a fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou during an interview with TMZ Sports. “I tried making that fight for two years. He (Francis Ngannou) didn’t want the fight. Do you know what I mean? He didn’t want the fight. He left here (the UFC) without even having another deal in place. And I know how the boxing world is. It’s crazy. But Francis didn’t want to do it.”

“I tried to make that fight for two years,” White continued. “And, let me tell you what, I think a lot of people feel this way – I think that’s exactly the way the fight [with Jones] would’ve gone if [Ngannou] was in there [at UFC 285], too. Him and Ciryl (Gane) had a five round war. If Ciryl doesn’t go for that submission, Cyril probably wins that fight at the end fo the fifth round there.” 

Last week, Ngannou revealed that he had verbal talks with former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder and his team regarding a series of fights in the next 24 months – with at least one of those earmarked matches targeted for a showcase event in Africa.