We are just days removed from UFC 270 where we saw a battle for the undisputed heavyweight title. Francis Ngannou (17-3) was defending his title against the interim champion Ciryl Gane (10-1). Gane was the betting favorite heading into UFC 270.
There was a lot of drama surrounding this fight. There were questions surrounding Francis Ngannou’s health and his contract situation. In addition, there was also drama considering the fact that Gane and Ngannou used to train together under Fernand Lopez.
The fight was a classic clash of style. Raw power in Francis Ngannou taking on elite footwork and elusiveness of Ciryl Gane. Through two rounds at UFC 270, it sure looked like the footwork was going to win out.
Ciryl Gane got off to a hot start and was picking Ngannou apart on the outside. Ngannou was limited in his movement and Gane just kept touching him throughout the first two rounds. Universally, it seemed like Gane was up 2-0.
However, Ngannou made a big change in the third round. Ngannou went to wrestling and Gane couldn’t stay on his feet. The champion secured takedowns and top position for the final three rounds and went on to retain his UFC title.
What’s next after UFC 270?
This fight at UFC 270 meant so much to Ciryl Gane and you could see the disappointment on his face after the fight was over. It seemed like the fight was in his hands, however, Ngannou’s flipping of the script changed everything.
Now, Gane has suffered his first loss and it’s back to the drawing board. With that, what will the UFC do with the former interim champion next? Well, a lot will come down to what happens with Francis Ngannou.
Obviously there are contract issues, but Ngannou also has a damaged MCL and ACL that will require surgery. If surgery is required, I could see the UFC doing another interim heavyweight title and Gane could be in the mix there.
A potential opponent to look out for is former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (20-4). Jon Jones (26-1, 1 NC) is floating out there too, but I suspect that Jones only fights Ngannou or Miocic next.
If not one of those two, another potential UFC opponent would be Tom Aspinall (11-2). Aspinall is taking on Alexander Volkov in March to headline UFC London. If Aspinall wins, a matchup with Gane would make a ton of sense.