Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane spoke to TMZ in the days leading up to his fight against Francis Ngannou. The title unification bout is set to take place at UFC 270 and is the opening pay-per-view event of the year. Not to mention, the match-up is highly anticipated for several reasons apart from the riveting action it will provide.

Ngannou and Gane were former training partners who will now collide for all the glory. Additionally, Gane’s current coach at the MMA Factory, Fernand Lopez, used to be Ngannou’s coach during his come-up in the UFC. However, all the parties have walked away from each other and all that remains is the glory of being the undisputed UFC champion.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by UFC (@ufc)

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Ngannou and Gane had an awkward run-in backstage at UFC 268 when Ngannou completely snubbed Gane. He walked past his teammate and left no doubt that both men weren’t particularly close anymore.

Also Read: ‘First Step to Get the Belt Back’- Jan Blachowicz Says Aleksandr Rakic Is Next 

Ciryl Gane feels no bad blood for Francis Ngannou

In his interview with TMZ, Ciryl Gane was about his relationship with Ngannou and whether there was bad blood between both men. ‘Bon Gamin’ refuted the claim and said that he saw Ngannou as merely another opponent he must face. Moreover, he said that the storylines ahead of the fight didn’t add any pressure heading into the fight.

via Imago

“We [MMA Factory] did something I think nobody did before. So we are all really proud of my career. And the people are going to say, ‘Yeah, he is afraid’. No, I thought that every time before the fight because everything is possible in the fight.”

“I’m honest, I’m authentic and I know everything is possible in the fight. I think I’m going to win this fight again but everything is possible…No pressure, never pressure.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“Good luck my man [Francis Ngannou]. Do your best because I’m going to do my best… You understand exactly my feeling that I have no deal with him and it’s just like another opponent, that’s it.”

Regardless of the storylines heading into their fight, both men will put their best foot forward and deliver high-paced action. There’s a lot on the line and the opportunity to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world isn’t one either man will want to pass on.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Read this story: Top 5 Biggest Rivalries in the History of the UFC