This is easily the best fight on this schedule this month. Both of these fighters are evenly matched and highly skilled, but more importantly, they both have experience fighting each other, having been sparring partners earlier in their careers.
Francis Ngannou: A destructive power puncher at heavyweight with solid all-around striking, Ngannou is a brutally simple fighter. He catches you, he knocks your soul out of your body, and end-of-fight. I doubt he’ll change that pattern now. Look for him to go for the kill right from the opening bell.
Ciryl Gane: With dominant wins over Derrick Lewis and Junior Dos Santos, Gane is a tested and proven fighter now. He’s got a fairly even win spread between submissions, knockouts, and decisions. He actually sparred with Ngannou early in his career as well, so he’s got a playbook against him. Look for him to try and go to the ground where Ngannou is uncomfortable, or maybe just try to brawl it out.
Prediction: Gane in any fashion. I know this goes against the mob wisdom, but I just like Gane better. He’s more varied. Ngannou might just knock his head off though.
HOW TO WATCH: Live on ESPN+ on January 22, 2022 at 10:00 PM EST.