The biggest night of the year so far in the UFC takes place this weekend, as UFC 270 is the star attraction. It is a stacked card full of massive bouts, but the one that captures the attention is the main event for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Francis Ngannou is the reigning Heavyweight champion, while Ciryl Gane is the interim. But, which star will be leaving the Honda Center will the championship this weekend?
Ngannou vs Gane Odds
The BetXchange markets for the huge heavyweight unification bout have been open for a number of months now, and as you would imagine, the odds are tight. Ciryl Gane is the narrow favourite in the betting, as he is currently a 13/20 chance. Meanwhile, the reigning champion, Francis Ngannou, is currently a 12/10 chance to regain his title in California.
Tale of the Tape
| Francis Ngannou | Ciryl Gane | |
| 35 | Age | 31 |
| 16-3 | Record | 10-0 |
| 6 ft 4 in | Height | 6 ft 4 in |
| 83 in | Reach | 81 in |
| · 1x UFC Heavyweight champion
· First Cameroonian UFC champion · 6x Performance of the Night |
Achievements | · 1x Interim UFC Heavyweight champion
· 2x Performance of the Night · 1x TKO World Heavyweight champion |
Ngannou Looking For Quick Defence
Francis Ngannou returns to the octagon for the first time since winning the UFC Heavyweight championship this weekend. His last bout was in March 2021, as he won his fifth straight fight. The win was certainly the biggest of his career, as he finally got his hands on the heavyweight title at the second opportunity. It was a stunning display by the Cameroonian, as he finished Stipe Miocic in the second round. Just three years earlier, he was beaten by the same opponent with the title on the line.
His best chance of success once again this weekend is a quick finish, as he has lost his last two fights that have gone further than the second round. Only three times has he been taken the distance, with all ending in defeat. However, his recent knockout power shown has been excellent, as he has won four of his last five in the opening round, and has won the Performance of the Night bonus on three occasions.
Gane Looks Primed For Challenge
Ciryl Gane certainly looks ready for this challenge of becoming the unified heavyweight champion. He has a perfect 10-0 record as a professional and was in stunning form throughout 2021. His first victory of the calendar year came by unanimous decision against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, before the same decision was needed to see off Alexander Volkov.
The latter of those wins put him in line for a title opportunity, which he very much made the most of by finishing Derrick Lewis in the third round by TKO punches. His record speaks for itself, and should Gane be able to see off the early flurry of shots that the champion is likely to throw, then he should have the tools in his arsenal to finish off the fight before the final bell.
Ngannou vs Gane Prediction
It is a stunning main event. However, we can’t see Ngannou getting the early victory that he will be chasing, which means that we expect him to tire, before Gane gets the victory before the final bell in California.
