Image Credit: UFC.com
Ciryl Gane open to fighting Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic next, but not Curtis Blaydes
UFC heavyweight title contender Ciryl Gane says he is open to fighting Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic next, but not Curtis Blaydes.
Gane knocked out Tai Tuivasa in the main event of UFC Paris to once again prove that he’s an elite heavyweight fighter. Although his goal is to get a rematch with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, his rival is still out recovering from knee surgery and so Gane will likely have to fight someone else in the meantime before another potential title shot.
Speaking on the ESPN+ post-fight show following UFC Paris, Gane was asked who he wants to fight next. As far as “Bon Gamin” is concerned, if he can’t fight Ngannou next, then he would like to fight either the former heavyweight champion Miocic or the former light heavyweight champ Jones, specifically because Jones would be such a “money” fight. However, Gane also made note that he has no interest in fighting Blaydes next.
“To have Jon Jones in this division is going to put some more light, the division is going to shine a little bit more and more. That’s why I’m so happy to have this guy in this division. I don’t know what’s going to happen exactly. People talk about Stipe against Jones, but I’m here. I’m here. I don’t have a good answer – maybe Jon Jones for the hype, for the money,” Gane said (via MMAFighting.com).
“I think maybe Stipe or Jones (will be next). I’m sorry, bro, if I have a choice, it’s not going to be Blaydes. This is not smart.”
It will be interesting to see who the UFC matches up Gane with next, but it feels like most of the matchmaking at the top-end of the heavyweight division depends on when Ngannou fights again.
Who do you want to see Ciryl Gane fight next after knocking out Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris?
