The Scout: Ngannou vs Gane

Posted on January 21, 2022January 23, 2022 | Posted by The Scout

Francis Ngannou vs Ciryl Gane

The undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou (16-3) defends his title as ‘the baddest man on the planet’ against Ciryl Gane (10-0) in the main event of UFC 270.

This will be the first time we see Ngannou in action since his win over Stipe Miocic in March last year, while Gane has had a far busier last 12 months, claiming wins over Jairzinho Rozenstruik (decision), Alexander Volkov (decision), and most recently a TKO dismantling of Derrick Lewis in August.

Both of these men like to let their actions do the talking, so it’s understandable that a fight of this magnitude has almost snuck up without the fanfare of previous main events. Perhaps disappointingly, much of the talk has been about these two being former teammates, and Francis’ ongoing dispute with the UFC over fighter pay.

I’m not buying into the sparring video of these two that has been doing the rounds, or even any inside knowledge that Francis’ former coach (and Gane’s current coach) may hold. What I do worry about is Francis’ mindset, and how much he is looking past this fight, and towards a foray into boxing.

Francis’ knockout power is second to none in the UFC, and if he is to win, the most likely way is as brutal as you can see in the octagon. He showed massive improvements in his all-around skill against Stipe, particularly when stuffing a takedown attempt in the first round.

Gane is by far the more skilled mixed martial artist of the duo. His approach to Francis will likely be a carbon copy of when he fought Lewis, another (extremely) heavy hitter. He’ll stay on his toes (he moves better than anyone in the division), stay out of range (even if it means running away at times like he did against Lewis), make Ngannou work, and take this fight as far and as deep as possible.

Francis needs just one moment to end this fight and embarrass anyone who doubted him. Despite this, Gane was just too impressive against Lewis, and I think that approach holds him in good stead here.

I’m counting on his footwork to keep him out of trouble, and if this fight goes past round 3, I can see Gane getting Francis to the ground and ending things with a flurry of fists and elbows.

Suggested Bet: Ciryl Gane to win by KO, TKO or DQ @ $3.10*

*Odds correct as at 8.30am, 20th January 2022.

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