The UFC returned to Paris today and we saw a heavyweight showcase in the main event. Former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane (11-2) is back as he took on the surging Serghei Spivac (16-3). This is a massive matchup for the heavyweight title picture.
For Serghei Spivac, he will be looking for the biggest win of his career and his fourth win in a row. The last time we saw him was earlier this year when he took on Derrick Lewis in a main event. Spivac mauled Lewis and choked him out in the first round. It was his third straight win all by finish. overall, he’s 6-1 in his last seven fights.
Ciryl Gane defeated Derrick lewis by third round TKO to win the interim title back in 2021. He then lost to Francis Ngannou for the undisputed title. Following that, he headlined the UFC’s first card in Paris last year and put on the best performance arguably of his career when he knocked out Tai Tuivasa.
That knockout win earned him a heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones. Unfortunately for Gane, he was taken down extremely fast in the first round and was submitted by Jones in just over two minutes. Now, he’s looking to make a statement and show that he deserves to be right in the mix for another title shot.
UFC Paris Recap
Round 1
The two men touch gloves and the UFC Paris main event is underway. Long jab from Gane start his striking. Gane light on his feet circling on the outside. Spivac holding the center here and he’s just plotting forward. Jab and a low kick from Gane. Gane looking incredibly confident here in the opening round.
Right now, Gane is just touching up Spivac on the outside. Nothing with a ton of heat but he’s landing everything he’s throwing. Quick takedown attempt from Spivac defended well by Gane. Body kick now from Gane. Big lead left hook lands for Spivac and that got the attention of Gane.
Big takedown attempt from Spivac. He’s deep on this attempt against the fence but a beautiful sprawl from Gane. Gane gets back to his feet and lands a nasty knee to the body. Another body shot from Gane. Gane is teeing off on the body of Spivac right now. Spivac is wearing a lot of damage with two minutes left.
Right straight now from Gane. Low kick from Gane. Spivac lands a nice left hand and Gane comes back with one of his own. Both men trade jabs in the center. Big combination to the body from Gane and now a jab. Head kick attempt from Gane and Spivac counters with his own kick. The round ends and it’s a dominant opening frame for Ciryl Gane at UFC Paris.
Round 2
Entering the second round and Gane immediately opens up with two straight kicks. Another low kick now from Gane. Front kick to the body from Gane. Spivac tries to move forward but can’t get ahold of Gane. Nice combination from Gane and he’s just piecing up Spivac right now.
1-2 now from Gane. Big left hook lands for Spivac and Gane lands a knee to the body. Left to the body now from Gane. Sharp jab lands for Gane. Huge knee to the body from Gane and he’s turning up the pressure now. Huge right hook to the body from Gane and he’s landing realy anything he wants to.
Another knee to the body from Gane. Body kick and another hook the body. Right hand lands flush from Gane and Spivac is hurt. Spivac is hurt up against the fence and Gane is just teeing off on him. Gane is going up top and to the body. Spivac is hurt badly and the referee steps in. Dominant performance by Ciryl Gane at UFC Paris.
Ciryl Gane def. Serghei Spivac by TKO – Round 2