And Still! Known For Big Arms, Ngannou Wrestles – Out Gane In Title Defense

Cameroon’s mix – martial art (MMA) professional, Francis Ngannou has just defeated interim heavyweight – champion, Cyryl Gane, after five rounds to keep his title alive in at UFC 270.

It was a rather unorthodox approach for Ngannou, who is used to striking his way in the cage – for victories, in the earlier rounds.

Like the Batie native said post bout, he was told by his coaches to be patient and really worked hard in his wrestling.

UFC commentator and former heavyweight, Daniel Cormier and co were left impressed on how Ngannou took down Gane, and defended take down attempts from his opponent.

Gane in control in the first two rounds.

In a main event in a packed Honda house in California, Ciryl Gane was fearless and kicked the punches out Francis Ngannou who had no reply. Gane’s corner was happy and kept on telling him to avoid punches, and keep the mobility around the arena.

Change of strategy From Ngannou

Just like the rematch against Stipe Moicic last year, Ngannou had shown a glimmer of his wrestling to the whole of his division. The ‘predator’ switched to some A grade wrestling for chunks of the fourth and fifth rounds. Gane was down for long despite being on half guard, but he couldn’t do much to the big man on top, who kept grinding.

The judges scored the contest; 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 for Ngannou as winner via unanimous decision. There is set to be a rematch to be fixed by the UFC later this year.