Ciryl Gane

What’s next for Alistair Overeem after UFC Vegas 18 loss?

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This past weekend at UFC Vegas 18, Alistair Overeem (47-19, 1 NC) took on Alexander Volkov (33-8) in the main event of the evening. Overeem was looking to pickup his third straight win on his final run towards the UFC heavyweight title.

However, Saturday night proved to be a rude awakening for The Demolition Man. Pretty much from the opening bell, Overeem couldn’t get any space from Volkov. Volkov was in his face constantly throwing big shots and Overeem could never get his offense off.

There were a couple of times where Overeem landed some solid lefts, but those shots were few and far between. In the second round, Volkov really started to pour it on Alistair Overeem. Volkov hurt Overeem bad with stinging 1-2’s down the pipe.

Just over two minutes into the round, a combination sent Overeem to the ground and the referee called a stop to the action at UFC Vegas 18. A rough night at the office for the 40 year old Overeem.

What’s next after UFC Vegas 18?

Many have wondered if Overeem would retire after UFC Vegas 18. Overeem has made it clear that he wants the UFC heavyweight title and if he gets that, he would retire immediately. However, he’s also hinted at walking away if there’s no path to the title.

This loss to Volkov made his steep climb to a title shot even steeper. In theory, there is still a path for Overeem to get another title shot in the UFC, however, it’s not going to be easy. There are now four contenders in front of him who have knocked him out.

That said, Overeem posted on Twitter that he’s planning on getting back into the gym soon. Thus, it appears that Overeem isn’t done just yet. So, with that in mind, what should the UFC do with Overeem next?

I think the perfect opponent for Overeem would be the loser of the 2/27 main event between Ciryl Gane and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. If Rozenstruik were to lose, him and Overeem already have history.

Overeem was seconds away from a decision win over Rozenstruik before getting knocked out. Meanwhile if Gane were to lose, the UFC would get their top heavyweight prospect back in there with a big name like Overeem. Look for the loser of this matchup to be Overeem’s next fight.

UFC Update: Injury to Dominick Reyes pushes back the Jiri Prochazka fight

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Dominick Reyes

A massive fight in the UFC‘s light heavyweight division is being pushed back. First reported by Farah Hannoun, the fight between Dominick Reyes (12-2) and Jiri Prochazka (27-3-1) is off. There are reports circulating this morning saying that a Reyes injury forced the fight back.

Originally, this fight was supposed to headline the UFC‘s fight night on February 27th. However, yesterday a tweet from Jairzinho Rozenstruik signaled that the fight might be in jeopardy. We now know that Rozenstruik – Ciryl Gane is going to headline the 2/27 card. 

At this time, there is no word on the significance of the injury to Dominick Reyes. Reyes was looking to bounce back in 2021 after having a very tough 2020. Dominick Reyes fought Jon Jones (26-1, 1 NC) last February at UFC 247.

The fight was razor close and many believed that Reyes won the fight. However, the judges gave the fight to Jon Jones. After that fight, Jones would ultimately decide to vacate the light heavyweight title to pursue the heavyweight title.

At UFC 253, Reyes got another opportunity against Jan Blachowicz (27-8). Reyes was looked at as the uncrowned champion going into the contest. However, the legendary Polish Power put Reyes down in the second round to capture the light heavyweight title.

That loss was just the icing on the cake of a rough year for Dominick Reyes. He rode a ton of momentum into that fight with many believing he defeated the goat just to be stopped by Blachowicz. This fight with Prochazka is a chance for him to right the ship.

UFC Newcomer

On the UFC’s first trip to Fight Island, Jiri Prochazka made his highly anticipated debut with the promotion. The global MMA scene was very familiar with Prochazka, but he was a bit of an unknown to a lot of fight fans.

The promotion gave him a tough test right away in former title challenger, Volkan Oezdemir (17-5). The fight was incredibly entertaining and Prochazka showed off some of his personality in that fight.

In the second round, Prochazka landed a massive right hand that put Oezdemir out cold. A huge UFC debut for Prochazka and that win launched him into the top five of the rankings. If he can beat Dominick Reyes whenever they fight, Jiri Prochazka might be getting a title shot in 2021.

UFC: Gane – Rozenstruik to headline Feb. 27th card per Rozenstruik

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Ciryl Gane UFC

According to Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-1), the UFC has a new main event for their fight night on February 27th. Originally, the promotion had been planning on a light heavyweight contest between Dominick Reyes and Jiri Prochazka headlining that card.

Rozenstruik was set to take on top contender, Ciryl Gane (7-0), on the UFC‘s Fight Night on March 13th. However, it appears that everything is being switched around. Rozenstruik announced the news on Twitter yesterday. 

However, he didn’t just announce that his fight with Gane was moving to 2/27, he announced they would be fighting five rounds. That can only mean that the heavyweight clash is the new UFC headliner.

So far, there has been no word from the UFC on what is going on. We are going completely off of the tweet of Rozenstruik, however, if he’s tweeted it out, it must be a done deal. One would have to assume that the fight between Prochazka and Reyes is getting pushed back.

The UFC is no stranger to card shuffling after the crazy 2020 COVID year. With the virus still lingering and restrictions still in place, you can imagine that there will be a lot of altered cards throughout 2021 as well.

UFC’s New Headliner

For the sake of this article, let’s go ahead and assume this heavyweight battle is headlining the UFC’s 2/27 card. This is a massive fight for the heavyweight division. This is also a fight that’s going to tell us a lot about Ciryl Gane.

Gane is being looked at as the top prospect in the UFC’s heavyweight division. He just passed his first big test when he stopped Junior Dos Santos at UFC 255. However, JDS is not looked at as the same guy that he was when he was UFC champion.

Rozenstruik is a very dangerous contender and his only career loss is against the top contender in the world, Francis Ngannou. Whoever wins this fight will be in prime position in the UFC’s heavyweight division.

In my opinion, we could be seeing a little heavyweight tournament forming. The week prior to this headliner, the UFC has another headliner featuring Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis. Perhaps the winners could fight considering Jon Jones is already guaranteed the next title shot.

UFC booking Ciry Gane – Jairzinho Rozenstruik

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Ciryl Gane UFC

The UFC is in the process of finalizing a big heavyweight matchup. First reported by La Sueur, the promotion is booking a heavyweight clash between undefeated prospect, Ciryl Gane (7-0), and Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-1).

The fight will take place at the UFC‘s Fight Night on March 13th. Just this morning, we learned that the headliner of that card will be the highly anticipated matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards.

Adding this heavyweight battle just shows that the UFC is stacking the deck again for another fight night. Entering this contest, both of these top contenders rank inside the UFC’s top seven at heavyweight.

They also both share a common last opponent. They both knocked out Junior Dos Santos in the second half of 2020 in their last performance. Prior to that win over JDS, Rozenstruik had suffered his first career loss at the hands of Francis Ngannou.

Rozenstruik met Ngannou at UFC 249. The winner of the fight was poised to be the top contender in the heavyweight division. Bibi Boy called out Ngannou and paid for it. Ngannou put Rozenstruik to sleep in 20 seconds.

However, Rozenstruik has had some real bright spots in the UFC outside of that loss. Of course, there is the victory over JDS, but he also owns knockouts over Alistair Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, and Allen Crowder.

The UFC’s Top Heavyweight Prospect

Arguably the most intriguing heavyweight in the UFC entering 2021 is Ciryl Gane. Once a top training partner of Francis Ngannou, Gane has really started to blossom as a top heavyweight for the promotion.

Fighting JDS at UFC 256 was the first big test for Gane. He passed that test with flying colors. Gane certainly looks the part of a top heavyweight contender. If he’s able to get by Bigi Boy, he might only be a win away from a title shot.

The heavyweight division is in a fascinating spot. Jon Jones is preparing for his heavyweight debut while Ngannou is getting ready to fight Stipe Miocic for the title. Whoever wins between Gane and Rozenstruik will be squarely in the title picture after March 13th.

What’s next for Ciryl Gane after his UFC 256 victory?

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Ciryl Gane UFC

This past Saturday at UFC 256, heavyweights Ciryl Gane (7-0) and Junior Dos Santos (21-9) kicked off the PPV main card. It was the first fight of 2020 for the French prospect, Gane. He had several cancellations leading to UFC 256.

Gane is being looked at as a future title contender. He’s a former Muay Thai world champion and he just has the looks of a guy who the UFC would love to have break through in the heavyweight division.

During the fight on Saturday, Gane did a really good job of keeping JDS at range with his kicks. Gane would throw powerful leg kicks and kicks to the body that never let the former heavyweight champion get comfortable.

Dos Santos was winging power punches, however, nothing really got close to landing. In the second round of the fight, Gane really started to take over. About halfway through the round, Gane stepped forward with a jab that rocked JDS.

He followed up with a couple of brutal elbows that sent the former heavyweight champion to the mat. The referee called a stop to the action and Gane improved to 4-0 inside the UFC with his biggest win to date.

What’s next after UFC 256

This was the biggest test for Gane and he passed with flying colors. When the new rankings come out later today, I’m expecting to see the Frenchman inside the top ten of the UFC‘s heavyweight division.

So, what should the promotion do with Gane next? I think there is a very logical next opponent for Gane. That opponent would be the UFC‘s eighth ranked heavyweight, Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-5).

The UFC has tried to make this fight twice in 2020. Back in April, Gane had to pull out of the fight then in October, Abdurakhimov had to pull out of the matchup. Maybe the third time will be the charm for the promotion.

Given the way the rankings look, this would be the most logical next fight. I don’t see the need to rush Gane just yet towards the top tier of the heavyweight division. Let him get one more top ten win before rushing him to the UFC‘s top five.

What’s next for Junior Dos Santos after UFC 256?

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This past Saturday at UFC 256, Junior Dos Santos (21-9) took on Ciryl Gane (7-0). The former champion entered Saturday on a three-fight losing streak, but more concerning, he had been finished in all three fights.

As the fight got started, Cigano was having a tough time getting inside on Gane. Gane kept the former UFC heavyweight champion at range with a steady kick attack. Whenever JDS would get close, he was throwing everything he had into shots.

It appeared that Dos Santos was just looking for one big knockout blow at UFC 256. He wasn’t putting together crisp boxing combinations, he was head hunting for a knockout. Granted, I figured that’s how he’d need to win, however, he wasn’t sharp in doing so.

After clearly losing the first round, things went really down hill for Dos Santos in the second round. Gane started picking up the pace a little and staggered Cigano with a stiff jab. Dos Santos turned away and Gane followed the former champion to the cage.

Once the fighters were along the fence, Gane landed some massive elbows that floored the former UFC champion. Follow up shots caused the fight to get stopped and Dos Santos had suffered his fourth straight loss all by KO or TKO.

What’s next after UFC 256?

Dos Santos protested after the fight at UFC 256 was over. JDS was angry telling the referee that the shot landed to the back of his head. The shot did catch a lot of the backside of his head, however, that was because of the way JDS was turning.

The shot was not intentional and had Dos Santos not been moving, it would’ve landed on the ear. Thus, the shot was legal and the former champion suffered another defeat. I think we’ve seen the last of JDS inside the octagon.

That pains me to say as someone who’s always been a massive fan of Junior Dos Santos. I’ve always been a fan and he’s arguably the nicest guy in the UFC. However, four straight KO or TKO losses doesn’t spell well for the former champion.

Dana White said in the post-fight press conference that JDS might be done with the UFC. Considering the roster cuts that are also occurring, I think JDS will be looking for a new home after this loss.

I don’t think Dos Santos will retire. He will likely move on to another promotion, but it’ll be interesting to see where he goes. If I had to take a guess, I would say that PFL would be the favorite to land the former champion.

Ciryl Gane stops Junior Dos Santos at UFC 256

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Ciryl Gane UFC

Kicking off the main card tonight at UFC 256 was a heavyweight clash between Junior Dos Santos (21-8) and Ciryl Gane (6-0). The former champion’s back was against the wall coming into this one.

Dos Santos entered the cage riding a three-fight losing streak. However, it was the way he’s lost his last three that have UFC fans wondering if he’s near the end. Cigano has been stopped in three straight outings.

Gane is on the other end of the spectrum. The French heavyweight prospect is looked at by many as a future champion. After tough year full of UFC cancellations, Gane was looking to make a massive statement tonight against Junior Dos Santos.

UFC 256 Recap:

Round 1

As the opening round at UFC 256 got underway, both were very light on their feet. Gane was frequently switching stances then used front kicks to start the striking. Dos Santos was trying to find his range with straight shots.

Gane continued to bounce and throw leg kicks. Dos Santos landed a decent uppercut as Gane got on the inside. Gane then countered with a very decent body kick. Dos Santos started to put a little pressure on Gane, but he was a little out of range to land shots.

Gane continued to land some decent kicks halfway through the round. The former UFC champion was throwing everything into his shots, but nothing was landing in the first. Gane continued to pepper Dos Santos’ legs with kicks.

Dos Santos threw a spinning back kick, but again couldn’t land. One minute left in the round and Gane lands another really good body kick. Dos Santos tried to catch a kick and get a takedown, but couldn’t land it. Dos Santos landed some good shots at the end, but a really good first round for Gane.

Round 2

As the second round at UFC 256 got underway, Gane went right back to throwing leg kicks. Dos Santos appeared to be trying to time Gane, but Gane was staying just out of range of Cigano’s big shots.

A minute into the round and Gane continued to land good kicks. Dos Santos landed a good right hand and Gane pushed JDS against the fence. Dos Santos was able to separate and get things back to striking.

Then out of no where, Gane lands a massive jab that hurts the former UFC champion. An elbow drops JDS and Gane finishes him off with a couple of shots.

Ciryl Gane def. Junior Dos Santos by TKO – Round 2

UFC 256 Preview: Junior Dos Santos – Ciryl Gane

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Kicking off the UFC 256 PPV main card tomorrow night is a fantastic matchup in the heavyweight division. Former heavyweight champion, Junior Dos Santos (21-8), will be taking on top heavyweight prospect Ciryl Gane (6-0).

This is an incredibly important fight for the former UFC heavyweight champion. Junior Dos Santos is facing a very difficult reality after his last three performances. Dos Santos has been knocked out in three straight UFC appearances.

In March of 2019, Dos Santos finished Derek Lewis in what was his third win in a row. The former champion looked to be poised to make another run at the title. However, then he ran into Francis Ngannou.

Ngannou finished Dos Santos in just 71 seconds. After that fight, Dos Santos was knocked out by Curtis Blaydes and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Dos Santos looked really good early in the Rozenstruik fight, but a blitz by Bigi Boy resulted in a knockout.

Given the UFC‘s recent announcement about cutting the roster down, a loss could spell the end for Dos Santos. While Cigano is potentially fighting for his career, Ciryl Gane is fighting to make the next leap in his MMA career.

The former professional kickboxer turned mixed martial artist is off to a fantastic start in his career. Gane is a massive heavyweight, but he moves like a guy in the middleweight division. Extremely explosive but also very efficient when he’s in the cage.

In addition to his incredible striking, Gane has very good skills on the ground. Half of his wins so far have come via submission. He even pulled off a heel hook which is not something you see normally for the heavyweights. He has all the makings of a future champion.

UFC 256 Prediction

The sad reality of this fight is that I don’t think it’s that hard to predict. A few years ago, I would have loved this UFC 256 matchup. It would have been incredibly hard to predict given the skillsets of both men.

However, it is a different time now and Junior Dos Santos is not the same fighter he used to be. We see glimpses of the old Cigano whenever he’s in the cage. He looks to be in great shape and his hands still look incredibly crisp.

However, he still doesn’t have answers for fighters who really push him against the fence and his chin is deteriorating. I see Gane marching Dos Santos down in this fight and I think he’ll give the former champion a lot of problems.

Dos Santos’ only chance to win this fight is catching Gane and knocking him out. I do not see this fight going the distance and unfortunately for Cigano, I see him suffering his fourth straight knockout loss at UFC 256.

Prediction: Ciryl Gane by TKO – Round 1

UFC currently working on Junior Dos Santos – Ciryl Gane

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It has been a tough 2020 for UFC prospect Ciryl Gane (6-0). Gane came into 2020 as one of the brightest prospects in the division. A massive heavyweight with incredible striking and power to go along with it. The UFC had high hopes for Gane this year.

However, the promotion has attempted to book Gane in four fights through the year. None of which have come to fruition. He was supposed to fight today at UFC Fight Island 6, however, that fight was called off earlier this week. 

Gane needs an opponent with name recognition and a ranking for the UFC to build him. Well, Dana White said yesterday that the promotion is working on an opponent that checks both of those boxes. That opponent would be former champion, Junior Dos Santos (21-8).

We last saw JDS back at UFC 252 when he took on Jairzinho Rozenstruik. That night, Dos Santos looked very good early on in the fight. Definitely won the first round in my opinion. However, JDS was caught with a flurry in round two that put him down for the count. His third straight TKO loss.

Thoughts on the UFC matchup?

This is a very good matchup for the UFC to make in my opinion. The former UFC champion has been struggling over the last year having suffered three straight knockout losses. JDS won three fights in a row prior to those losses.

Gane is being built up as a big time prospect for the heavyweight division. The division needs fresh faces to make things exciting, and the UFC couldn’t ask for a more exciting prospect than Ciryl Gane who currently trains with Francis Ngannou.

There will be a number of storylines that will surround this potential matchup. For Dos Santos, if he gets knocked out again, he might need to look at retirement, however, if he wins, he could look at one final run in the UFC before hanging it up.

For Gane, this is his chance to really introduce himself to the general MMA fans. Most know who Ciryl Gane is, but for the casuals, a big win over JDS would announce his arrival. It’s a fascinating matchup that I’m looking forward to.

UFC Fight Island 6 loses it’s co-main event

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Ciryl Gane UFC

UFC Fight Island 6 has taken a big hit. The card that will take place this Saturday night from Fight Island has lost it’s heavyweight co-main event of the evening. While the reasons are still unknown, the fight is off after first being reported by LaSueur.com.

Ciryl Gane (6-0) was expected to take on Ante Delija (17-3) in a highly anticipated heavyweight fight this Saturday night. Due to some issue with Delija, the fight has now been cancelled. Jessica Andrade and Katlyn Chookagian is expected to be the new co-headliner.

For Gane, UFC fans have to feel his frustrations. One of the top prospects in the UFC’s heavyweight division has not been able to get a fight since last December when he defeated Tanner Boser. Gane is currently ranked 13th in the UFC‘s heavyweight division.

One of the main training partners of top contender, Francis Ngannou, Gane is known for his world class striking. He’s a guy that many people have pegged to be a title challenger, however, he hasn’t been able to fight once this year. It’s not due to the lack of effort.

Four UFC cancellations for Gane

The UFC has tried to book their top heavyweight prospect from France four separate times this year. The UFC has tried pairing him with Shamil Abdurakhimov, Sergey Pavlovich, back to Abdurakhimov, and now Delija.

All four fights have fallen apart one way or another. This one is particularly cruel for the UFC heavyweight considering the fight was just a couple of days away. Have to think the UFC will throw him a little show money for all of this.

For now, it will be back to the match making drawing board for Gane and the UFC. The promotion has worked hard to get him a fight, everything has just fallen apart. Perhaps a fight with the tough Blagoy Ivanov (18-4. 1 NC) could be an option for Gane’s next attempt to get back in the cage.