‘Screw Your Technique’- Robert Whittaker Weighs In on Francis Ngannou vs Ciryl Gane

Francis Ngannou vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 on January 22 is being touted as one of the most intriguing heavyweight clashes in recent memory. The fight is being talked about extensively since both men were former training partners who are set to go at it.

Not to mention, Ngannou’s former coach is now spearheading Ciryl Gane’s camp in what has become an intriguing set of circumstances surrounding the fight. Their rivalry was on full display when Ngannou walked past Ciryl Gane and his former coach backstage at UFC 268.

Former 185-pound champion Robert Whittaker commented on the upcoming heavyweight bout.

He said, “This is a tricky matchup. Ciryl Gane would have to be the most technical striker in the division. His striking is just clean. You see it against Lewis as he avoided every power shot and just pieced him apart. His striking is very, very high level.”

Also Read: Colby Covington Meets His Idol and WWE Hall of Famer Rick Flair

But Ngannou has that ‘screw you’ power. Screw your technique, screw your odds, he just hits you and it’s game over. Lewis had that too, but Lewis, I don’t think, is as good a striker as Ngannou. I think Ngannou is a more complete version with that power.”

“So if I was a betting man, the safer bet would be on Gane because he can just stay outside and piece him up for five rounds. That is a possibility and a road to victory for Gane. But Ngannou just needs to land one real big screw you pow and it’s over.” [h/t Overtimeheroics.net]

How dangerous is Francis Ngannou’s crippling power?

Ngannou has secured a highlight-reel of devastating knockouts. Out of his 16 wins, he has ended 12 of them via T/KO and is just three shy of Derrick Lewis’ all-time UFC record. ‘The Predator‘s crippling power is so dangerous that fighters such as ‘The Black Beast’ did not want to commit for fear of being finished.

The 35-year-old’s power was on full display when he went toe-to-toe against Stipe Miocic and blasted the former champion into oblivion at UFC 260.

Francis Ngannou has shown in previous fights that despite a perceived skill deficiency, he can end proceedings in a matter of moments. Hence, Ciryl Gane will have to utilize his premier footwork and be elusive on the feet right from the start. A single slip-up could potentially cost him dearly as he stands and trades with ‘The Predator’.

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

What do you make of ‘The Reaper’ Whittaker’s comments?