The UFC is making a return to Paris as Ciryl Gane ventures to redeem himself after a quick and disappointing loss to the incomparable Jon Jones at UFC 285 earlier this year. His opponent is Moldovan heavyweight Serghei Spivac, who is a threat in his own right. The co-main event for UFC Paris sees another fan favorite return to the big stage in Rose Namajunas. Interestingly, Thug Rose will make her debut at flyweight against French fighter Manon Fiorot, who is ranked number 2 in the division.
Gane has 2 losses in his last 3 fights, making his form less than ideal going into the weekend. It is important to note that the two losses were for the heavyweight title against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, respectively. The two are the most feared heavyweights in UFC history, putting the Frenchman’s performances into perspective. The solitary win in his last 3 fights came up against Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris on September 4, 2022.
Ready to write more history ✍️
🇫🇷 @Ciryl_Gane shook the foundations last year and wants to have #UFCParis rocking again vs. 🇲🇩 Serghei Spivac! pic.twitter.com/j3GIZKfaDO
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 1, 2023
The win against Tuivasa at the same event last year will surely give Gane the confidence to repeat the feat against Spivac in front of the home crowd. Let’s take a look at how the two match up against each other.
UFC Paris: Ciryl Gane Vs. Serghei Spivac stats
Stats | Ciryl Gane | Serghei Spivac |
---|---|---|
Wins | 11 | 16 |
Losses | 2 | 3 |
Height | 6’4″ | 6’3″ |
Division | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
Reach | 81″ | 78″ |
Ciryl Gane vs Serghei Spivac: Fight breakdown and prediction
Spivak is coming into this fight on the back of a three-fight winning streak, and as such must be brimming with confidence. He will have to perform under the pressure of the home crowd, who will be rooting for Gane with all their might. Interestingly, the pressure to perform well in front of the crowd will be more unnerving for Gane, as he looks to get back on the winning track.
TONIGHT!! WHO YOU GOT?!
Ciryl Gane vs Sergey Spivac at #UFCParis!! pic.twitter.com/3xAfK7yjRO
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 2, 2023
The French fighter is known for his striking, and also his lack of wrestling ability. As such, he would prefer to fight on his feet, and whittle down his opponent with his hands. Contrastingly, the 28-year-old Moldovan is adept at both striking and wrestling, boasting seven submissions and seven knockouts in his professional career.
One region, where Spivac is clearly disadvantaged is his lack of experience in long-drawn 5 round fights. The Moldovan has never fought past the 15-minute mark in his career, whereas Gane has done so several times, and has the cardio to show for it. This, along with the Frenchman’s superior striking technique, gives him the edge in front of his own people. Therefore, Spivac will continuously try to get Gane to the ground and exploit his obvious weakness. The outcome of this match is more dependent on this factor than any other.
Will Gane fight his way back to title contention? Or will Spivac climb up the heavyweight ranks? Fans will find out this weekend.