Recently at UFC 265, Cyril Gane defeated Derrick Lewis for the interim heavyweight title, or as it may be said he snatched the chance from Derrick Lewis to fight Francis Ngannou for the unified heavyweight title. But, among all this drama there remains another character “Jon Jones” who is waiting to make his much anticipated heavyweight debut. Prior to that Jones’ coach Mike Winkeljohn has given few statements on Ciryl Gane.
Mike feels that Gane has the skills and he changes his strategy depending upon who he is fighting. So, considering the threat Derrick Lewis brings to the table Mike believes Ciryl’s showcased elite striking prowess. While doing a podcast with Submission Radio Mike also said that Gane reminds him of Jon’s early fights. He adds:
“I had seen him In his(Gane) first fight against Don’Tale Mayes. That was a great fight. right away I said this kid is going to be something special. look where he is at”
Will Jon Jones fight Ciryl Gane or Francis Ngannou?
In such a short period of time, Ciryl Gane has achieved a lot. Furthermore, he has always respected Jon Jones and wanted to fight him. Since Jon is also a technical fighter like him, fans can expect a striking extravaganza.
However, the former light-heavyweight champion, Jones vacated his belt in order to make the move up to heavyweight and secure his second division world title, and cement his legacy as the greatest MMA fighter of all time.
Mike was asked about the same that who does he think is a tougher fight for the “Bones” between Ngannou and Gane. To which he responded:
“The crazy power is always scary it zips a lot of people. That’s what Francis has. He is the scary explosive guy. Gane can hit hard too. But, he has more tools I believe, as far as fine-tune tools…Both are scary in their own way and both are very beatable in their own way.”
Mike also added that he expects Jones to take the fight which will pay him better. Certainly, that’s the right choice. However, only time will tell if fans will ever see Ciryl Gane go toe to toe with Jon Jones.