Ciryl Gane, the UFC heavyweight contender, picked up a critical notch in his belt. Ciryl Gane, the budding UFC star? Maybe not so much.
Gane completely controlled Jairzinho Rozenstruik in a unilateral, unanimous decisive victory (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas. But a lack of aggression and his conservative strategy could work against Gane when it comes to UFC match.
“I’m not making a big show for the fans,” Gane said in his post-fight interview. “I got a big win, so I’m really happy for that. The guy was really tough. I just wanted to get along, and I did.”
No, Gane did not get a knockout blow on social media. Nor did he wage the kind of back-and-forth war that could make him a box office favorite. But he remained undefeated in the UFC against one of the leading heavyweights in the world, which showed his continued career as a legal prospect.
With the win, Gane became the seventh fighter in the UFC heavyweight division to start 5-0, according to ESPN Statistics and Information. Four of the first six fighters to do so became UFC heavyweight champions. Gane has the longest active finish line in the UFC heavyweight division (five).
Over time, ESPN has put Rozenstruik at number 4 in the world in heavyweight, with Gane at number 8. Gane will definitely make a big leap on the rankings, but it’s unclear what it will be in a crowded top the section will mean. The French fighter blamed Rozenstruik himself for the lack of action.
“I expected a little more from him – more attack,” Gane said. “I was a little surprised.”
It may not have been the thrill of your seat, but Gane’s performance was impressive on its own. He showed comfortable and calm, stayed outside and picked Rozenstruik apart with long kicks to the legs and body. A few times Gane penetrated with big combinations and quickly withdrew and stayed away from Rozenstruik’s great power. But the lightning inside was little for Gane, who clearly wanted to be careful.
Rose shrub has been largely destroyed. He got a great combination here and there in the third and a few hard left hooks, but nothing mattered. Gane’s excellent kicking and space management were the reason. It was extremely effective, even if it would not necessarily excite fans to watch him next time.
The card took place using COVID-19 protocols set up at the UFC Apex, a facility across the street from the UFC’s business campus. It was the third UFC meet this month with a heavyweight candidate.
Gane (8-0) was one of the best prospects in all of MMA, and this achievement will take him from prospect to a bona fide candidate. He is now 5-0 in the UFC with three finishes. Gane, 30, achieved a TKO victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos at UFC 256 in December. Gane is training in France under Fernand Lopez, the former head coach of leading UFC heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou, who will fight Stipe Miocic for the UFC 260 title on March 27.
Rozenstruik (11-2) also achieved a TKO victory over dos Santos at UFC 252 in the second round in August. The Suriname native has won five of seven fights in the UFC. His only career loss before Saturday was achieved against Ngannou in UFC 249 by the knockout blow. Rozenstruik (32) has 10 KO / TKO finishes in 11 victories in the career. He is a former champion kickboxer.