Paris, France – UFC heavyweight Ciryl Gane has always been touted as possibly the most technical heavyweight in the division, but on Saturday night Tai Tuivasa tested his chin. Gane passed with flying colors as he survived the power of Tuivasa and ended the fight via knockout at UFC Paris.
“I feel really great. A little bit injury, but this is a part of my job. I’m so happy. I’m really happy,” Gane told Cageside Press among other media at his post-fight scrum.
“About the crowd. The fan home in Paris was really crazy. This is also a victory.”
This was the very first UFC event in France and with French fighters going 5-0 on the card the crowd was on from the very start of the event.
“The first time in Paris….this is historic. To have my name on it this meant a lot. I think nobody expected this from the fans of France so that’s why I’m really surprised and I’m so happy. This look like a victory, really,” Gane said.
Victory aside the title picture at heavyweight is still to be determined. With the current champion, Francis Ngannou, currently sidelined and former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones rumored to be making his heavyweight debut soon, Gane seems to be left on the outside looking in.
Gane did mention in the octagon that he is still on the hunt for the title, but with Ngannou likely out until 2023, Gane has some choices to make whether to wait or take another fight.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen exactly. I think nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen. I don’t know if it’s going to be an interim title. I don’t know when he’s coming back if he stays in this division, Francis, I don’t know when he want to fight able to fight,” Gane said.
“Like I say every time. Anyone, anywhere, but now I’m looking for the belt.”
Gane has been interim champion before, but would he consider doing it again?
“The UFC needs to manage this situation. It is not easy. He’s (Ngannou) had big injury, big surgery. So I can understand if I don’t want to waiting too long time…yes I’m ok with an interim title. This has put me on the first line for the belt,” he said.
Who would he want to fight for an interim title? Perhaps Curtis Blaydes who, even though it was due to injury, is coming off a victory at UFC London not too long ago.
“For an interim title? No matter who, my man. Every time in my career the people ask me ‘Who you want? What is better choice?’ Every time I say, anyone, anywhere my man. I’m going to do my job.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Ciryl Gane above.
