Francis Ngannou looked to be on course to defend his heavyweight title in a rematch against Derrick Lewis. UFC president Dana White had planned on making the fight at UFC 265 on Aug. 7.
But things took a turn when Ariel Helwani reported the fight is unlikely to happen on that date, and September was a new target. With the bout getting pushed back, it does leave an opening for a new opponent to face Ngannou. Two heavyweights get the opponent to sway White on Saturday as No. 3-ranked Ciryl Gane takes on No. 5-ranked Alexander Volkov in a UFC Fight Night headliner from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nev.
After going 7-0 in Muay Thai competitions, Gane transitioned to MMA and has gone 8-0 — with the last five wins coming inside the Octagon. Gane thinks it's possible to sneak through the back door and jump past Lewis to earn a crack at Ngannou.
"I think it's really possible," Gane tells DAZN. "I think it makes sense. This fight feels like a semifinal. I think if I win with a big performance, I think it is going to help me. After this fight, if I win, the UFC is going to ask me something (about a title shot)."
The 31-year-old from France has shot up the rankings and into the title conversation with his exciting fighting style. He looks for the finish, whether it's on the ground or on the feet.
Three of his wins have come via submission, and he's earned three victories via strikes. For Gane, he knows the hype that's around him. But he stays centered, doesn't get caught in the hype, and takes it one fight at a time.
"For me, I'm comfortable with the situation," Gane said. "I'm really proud. When people talk to me about that, this is really strange. It was really fast. But I'm comfortable with that because I started seven years ago with Muay Thai. Since that time, I wanted a big test. I go and put out the headline every time fastly. I just continue my career like that. Yes, it’s fast, but I'm comfortable with that."
Standing in the way of Gane's dream of a UFC championship opportunity is the hard-hitting Volkov. After a stretch of going 2-2, Volkov's reeled off back-to-back TKO victories to put himself back in the title conversation. Gane understands what's in front of him and is excited to test his mettle against one of the best heavyweights in the world.
"I love this fight," Gane admits. "It's a big challenge for me. For me, he is one of the best of this division. I think I got to make a new version of myself. I'm going to be surprised like you."