Fighters » Ciryl Gane
Ciryl “Bon Gamin” Gane is a top-ranked French heavyweight in the UFC, known for his atypical, movement-based striking style for his size. A former interim champion, his technical kickboxing stands in contrast to the division’s typical power-focused approach.
Here is a quick overview of his key career fights:
| Year | Opponent | Result & Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Derrick Lewis | Win (TKO, Rd 3) | Won the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship. |
| 2022 | Francis Ngannou | Loss (Unanimous Decision) | Unified title fight for the undisputed championship; his first professional loss. |
| 2022 | Tai Tuivasa | Win (KO, Rd 3) | A dramatic comeback victory in Paris, earning Fight of the Night. |
| 2023 | Jon Jones | Loss (Submission, Rd 1) | Fought for the vacant title; submitted quickly by a guillotine choke. |
| 2025 | Tom Aspinall | No Contest (Accidental Eye Poke) | Title fight ended in controversy when Aspinall was unable to continue. |
Breakdown of Notable Fights
- Winning the Interim Title vs. Derrick Lewis (2021): Gane showcased his technical superiority, methodically breaking down the powerful Lewis with leg kicks before securing a third-round TKO to claim the interim belt.
- Unification Loss to Francis Ngannou (2022): In a tactical battle, Gane led early with his striking. However, Ngannou surprised many by utilizing wrestling to control the later rounds, winning by decision and handing Gane his first defeat.
- Dramatic Comeback vs. Tai Tuivasa (2022): This fight was a fan-friendly brawl. Gane was hurt by Tuivasa’s power in the second round but recovered and showcased his own resilience, finishing the fight with a knockout in the third round in front of his home crowd in Paris.
- Quick Submission Loss to Jon Jones (2023): In a highly anticipated bout for the vacant title, Gane was taken down and submitted with a guillotine choke by Jones in just over two minutes, exposing a gap in his defensive grappling at the highest level.
- Controversial No Contest vs. Tom Aspinall (2025): Gane’s most recent title opportunity ended abruptly. In the first round, an accidental eye poke from Gane rendered champion Tom Aspinall unable to continue, resulting in a no contest.
What Makes Gane Unique as a Heavyweight?
Ciryl Gane’s fighting style is considered unique for the UFC’s heavyweight division. Unlike many of his power-punching rivals, he employs a movement and volume-based striking approach. Key elements of his style include:
- Elusive Kickboxing: He uses speed, feints, and constant movement to control distance. His diverse kicking game, including effective leg kicks and body attacks, is a major weapon.
- Athleticism and Speed: At 6’5″ and around 250 lbs, Gane possesses exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to implement his technical game plan against slower opponents.
- Developing Ground Game: While his striking is his core strength, Gane has shown offensive grappling skills, winning several UFC fights by submission. However, his defensive wrestling and grappling have been tested in his championship losses.
