The connection between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane ran deep, even ahead of UFC 270's main event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California on Saturday night. This is the fourth time in history that the heavyweight champion had to defend his claim as the rightful titleholder.
ESPN's two top-ranked heavyweight fighters shared a coach in Fernand Lopez at the MMA Factory. The facility, based in Paris, was founded in 2012 by Lopez. The team guided Ngannou to the UFC in 2015, but the Cameroonian fighter moved to Las Vegas due to a falling out between him and Lopez.
Gane, who entered the fight as interim champion and became the gym's top heavyweight after Ngannou's departure, said he once viewed his role as "the revenge."
In the end, Ngannou successfully retained his heavyweight UFC title and gained undisputed status.
Former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who could face the undisputed champ later this year, weighed in on Ngannou.
If this is the Apex of heavyweight fighting, I'm excited about it. Got some more records to break
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 23, 2022
I love how everyone gets so impressed with the new guy lol
— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 23, 2022
Clint Capela and Teddy Atlas were among those who shared their thoughts about the title fight on social media.
Ngannou again taking away Ganes advantages on feet, slowed pace killed clock, kept title. #UFC270
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) January 23, 2022
AND STIIIILLLLLL #ngannou
— Clint Capela (@CapelaClint) January 23, 2022
#andstill the champion @francis_ngannou great job by the champion. Who would have thought it would be wrestling and grappling that got him the victory. Congrats champ!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) January 23, 2022
Easy to booo when you ain't the one standing in front of them power shots #UFC270
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) January 23, 2022
aaaaaaaaaand STILL 🔥🔥🔥 #ufc270
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) January 23, 2022
If you're in California and you feel the ground shake. Don't be alarmed...that's not an earthquake, It's just the clash of two titans in the ufc octagon. #UFC270
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) January 23, 2022
The homies keep the belts!!! #ANDSTILL @francis_ngannou@ufc #UFC270
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) January 23, 2022
