When it comes to discussing potential opponents, Ciryl Gane stands true to his catchphrase of “anyone, anywhere,” but he admits there is one particular matchup that makes sense.
Gane (7-0 MMA, 4-0- UFC) cracked the heavyweight top 10 when he finished former champion Junior Dos Santos in the second round of their bout at UFC 256 and has looked near flawless since joining the UFC roster in 2019.
Though it’s been a fast rise for the undefeated Frenchman, Gane is ready to take on the division’s best. The only unbooked heavyweight that sits ahead of him in the rankings is Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC), who is also coming off a second-round finish of Dos Santos.
Looking at the heavyweight landscape, Gane is certainly open to that matchup.
“This makes sense,” Gane told MMA Junkie. “He is not booked, so we tried to do it for January if I’m not mistaken, but with Christmas he needs time, so we’ll see. I don’t know when exactly, but I think it’s gonna be that guy.”
He continued, “There aren’t that many people above me. There are fights already booked and Rozenstruik isn’t, so I think it’s probably with this guy. But if you ask me who I want – anyone. I’m on my way, so let’s go.”
Gane, who scored three big wins in an active 2019, saw his momentum slowed somewhat in 2020 when he was forced to undergo surgery for a collapsed lung. He then saw four fights scrapped before finally getting to compete in the final month of the year.
Despite his 2020 setbacks, Gane finds himself in a great position to kick off 2021 and is looking to return in the first quarter of the new year.
“I’m really close to the top, and I feel good,” he said. “I’m on my way, and I’m confident. So yes, I want to fight and maybe in March because I think for Abu Dhabi it’s a little bit hard to book me, so maybe in March. I’m ready. I’m on my way, and I want to fight because I’m really close (to the top).”
Ciryl Gane won’t call out rivals, but admits Jairzinho Rozenstruik bout ‘makes sense’