Frenchman Ciryl Gane is the next big thing in the heavyweight division after claiming the interim title at UFC 265.
The Paris-based kickboxer won for the seventh time in as many Octagon bouts on Sunday, overwhelming hometown favourite Derrick Lewis to win via third-round TKO at Houston's Toyota Center.
UFC president Dana White booked the bout for the interim title with reigning champion Francis Ngannou wanting time off after claiming gold earlier this year.
But regardless of the title's authenticity, there's no doubt Gane (10-0) is the real deal, and he will fight his former teammate for the undisputed crown before the end of 2021.
The 6-foot-5 Gane used his range, peppering Lewis with kicks to the body and legs, and keeping Lewis (25-8), who relies on one-punch power, from getting close enough to do damage.
The end came in the third round when Gane unleashed a flurry, dropping Lewis, before the referee stepped in to stop the bout at the four-minute mark.
"Let's go," Gane said of a matchup against his former training partner, Ngannou.
White confirmed he is eyeing October for the bout on a card that could also include former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones' long-awaited debut in the heavyweight division against Stipe Miocic.
The evening's co-feature bout marked the latest edition of former longtime UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo's second act.
The Manaus, Brazil, native won his second straight bout at bantamweight.
Aldo (30-7) mixed superb footwork and head movement, air-tight defense, and hints of the blazing hand speed which marked his championship heyday to earn a unanimous decision over fellow Brazilian Pedro Munhoz (19-6).
The judges' scores were 30-27 across the board as the 34-year-old Aldo won his second straight fight.
"I want to be a champion again," Aldo said through an interpreter. "I dedicate myself a lot and that's why I am here tonight. I'm training a lot, I'm training harder than ever."
Reuters
