UFC 265: Ciryl Gane Silences Houston
From the sold-out Toyota Center, the Frenchman, Ciryl Gane silences Houston by having the perfect “A-Game” plan against Derrick Lewis. In the video-game world of Mortal Kombat, you can call this win a “flawless victory”.
Gane, remains undefeated, not only in MMA at 10-0, but in combat sports (including his run in Muay Thai). He was able to control the range from the second Dan Miragliotta said “fight” by chopping away at Lewis’ legs, switching stances constantly, and by hitting and running; literally.
Despite “The Black Beast” having the touch of death in his right hand, the very few opportunities that came to let it go, it stalled. The loss also ends his four-fight win streak. It also drops him to 0-2 in UFC title chances. And it also reinforces something about the Houston native. Lewis has issues with guys who are quicker which makes their power appear greater. Aside from the win over Francis Ngannou.
What’s Next?
Well, the first and only thing on most people’s minds is unifying the UFC Heavyweight Title. Where in this case, irony runs aplenty. Gane, is training under the champion’s former team. But this is a very different champion than when he started. Possibly the only one not licking their chops for that fight is Stipe Miocic. And there seems to be a common ally in the situation as well. Both Ngannou and Miocic have had issues with Dana White booking this interim title fight in the first place.
As far as the fight goes; Gane continued to back Lewis up along the fence line. And he did that methodically, which shows just how dangerous he is only 10 fights into his MMA career. The patient attack not only frustrated Lewis, but his head coach Bob Perez, who pleaded with him to go forward and try some level changes. Even in the clinch, Gane was in total control.
In the third round, those leg kicks were having an effect on Lewis. That’s when the well-rounded fast 31-year-old Frenchman let his hands go. He teed off on Lewis after another serious leg kick; with an uppercut and a left. Although Lewis did try to fight back the swarming was too much as he went down to the canvas.
Miragliotta gave Lewis a warning, and finally saw enough and stopped the fight at the 4:11 mark for the TKO. Lewis also was outstruck 99-8.
Meet your FIRST France-born UFC champion ??? @Ciryl_Gane
— UFC (@ufc) August 8, 2021
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