Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou defeats Ciryl Gane to unify UFC undisputed heavyweight title
Cameroonian mixed martial arts fighter Francis Ngannou defeated France’s Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 270 on Sunday to become the UFC undisputed heavyweight champion.
Ngannou prevailed 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 at the Honda Center in California bringing to an end Gane’s 10-match undefeated streak.
An intriguing backstory dominated the buildup to the match pitting the sport’s biggest power puncher in Ngannou against Gane, who was his former sparring partner.
Ngannou was crowned UFC heavyweight champion in March last year after defeating Stipe Miocic by knockout in the main event of UFC 260. Gane, on the other hand, won his title beating Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC 265 in August.
Ngannou weathered some difficult early rounds before he relied on a combination of takedowns and ground control to claim victory.
After the fight, the 35-year-old confirmed that he had suffered a knee injury prior to the event but said he decided not to withdraw because it was “a chance to make a statement and remind everyone that I’m the champ.”
This was Ngannou’s final fight on his current deal but victory now means he is tied to the UFC through the “champion’s clause,” which keeps titleholders in the fold as long as they hold onto the belt.
Story compiled with assistance from wire reports
