2021 is almost at an end which means the heavyweight title fight between current champion Francis Ngannou and interim champion Ciryl Gane is just around the corner. And with UFC 270 looming, the interim champion is feeling very good about his chances to become the undisputed Baddest Man on the Planet this early into his career.

“I just started the sport, so imagine, tomorrow I’m going to win against Francis Ngannou, I’m going to be in the top, the baddest man in this world after just three years in MMA,” Gane told BT Sport. “That’s really crazy. That’s wonderful. And yes, after that, if I win, this is going to mean something for real for me. Because after every fight, maybe you can see, I’m not really enjoying it when I win. I don’t know why exactly, I’m not excited about that. But if I win against Francis, I’m going to be happy. I’m going to be happy for real.”

Gane only started MMA in 2018 after a successful Muay Thai career and the move has been a good one for “Bon Gamin.” After a 3-0 start to his career on the regional scene, Gane was signed to the UFC in 2019 where he quickly racked up seven wins in the organization, including claiming the interim title his last time out, with a third-round stoppage of Derrick Lewis. Now, Gane will take Ngannou, who at one time was a teammate of Gane at the MMA Factory. But though the two have spent some time training together, Gane dismissed the idea that their past experience would play a major role in the bout, saying that Ngannou has improved and that he believes the bout will be a more tactical affair.

“I think Francis did a lot these last years, and he probably improved and he’s more intelligent and that’s really great,” Gane said. “He’s really well-rounded now, and I think it’s going to be more like that, because he knows I can manage the power. I think he knows I can manage the power. So maybe he should be a smart fighter (when we fight)....

“I think it’s gonna be like Jairzinho (Rozenstruik). I’m going to manage the fight. I’m going to win after five rounds. Maybe before with a submission or something like that. Why not?”

Should Gane’s words prove prophetic and he does claim the undisputed heavyweight title, a world of opportunity will open up for the 31-year-old French fighter, most notably, a superfight with former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Jones is expected to make his long-awaited heavyweight debut next year and if he does, Gane says he’s ready to welcome the pound-for-pound great to his new division.

“He wants to go to this division, he wants to prove he can do it and he did a lot for that,” Gane said. “Probably a fight against him would be really great for me because a lot of people compare the style, we’re well-rounded, good fight I.Q. Maybe it’s gonna be a great matchup, I think so, and probably it’s gonna be great for my pocket (laughs).”

UFC 270 takes place on Jan. 22 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

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VIDEO STEW

UFC Vegas 44 Post Show.

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UFC 269 Countdown.

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LISTEN UP

On to the Next One. Matches to make following UFC Vegas 44.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

The King of Rio.

Respect.

Statements.

Simply incredible.

Veterans.

Getting ready.

Conor may actually be a welterweight now.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

N/A.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Jose Aldo is the GOAT. That is all.

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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