Ciryl Gane has downplayed claims he will easily out-strike Tai Tuivasa in their UFC Paris clash, insisting the Australian possesses "very dangerous" one-punch power.
Gane faces knockout artist Tuivasa in the main event of UFC Paris on Saturday with the event marking the promotion's first-ever card in France following a lengthy battle to have MMA legalised in the country. Gane is looking to rebound after missing out on the heavyweight title to former training partner Francis Ngannou in January, whilst Tuivasa is on a great run having knocked out his last three opponents.
All of Gane's past UFC opponents have been outclassed by his striking, with Ngannou being forced to wrestle his way to victory against him in their title clash. Tuivasa has been told he must turn the fight into a brawl to have any chance of beating Gane, who recognises that 'Shoeyvasa' can end any fight in just one punch.
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“I can understand because every time I win my fights, it looks easy but it’s not easy," Gane told Mirror Fighting . "It’s because I did a really great job and exactly what I should have done to make the fight look easy. Against Tai it’s possible to do the same, but it’s not easy as the fight stays dangerous. With a guy like Tai Tuivasa, just one punch and he can finish you. Everything is possible, I have my strengths, he has his strengths. I hope I can manage my footwork and distance to win the fight.
“Tai Tuivasa is on a good run in his last fights. He has knocked out every guy in his last three fights and that’s why I say he’s very dangerous. Against Derrick [Lewis] and Greg Hardy, he got hurt then came back and countered them. These are big guys and he can finish those big guys. It’s going to be a really tough fight and I have to be focused until the end."
Gane is relishing the chance to headline the UFC's first-ever event in his home country and wants to put on a show for his fans. Despite his striking skills, 'Bon Gamin' started his UFC stint with consecutive submission wins and he is confident in his ability to finish Tuivasa on the feet or on the ground.
"I want to finish the fight for sure," he added. "I want that for my fans in Paris, to make a show for the fans and for this you have no choice, you must try to finish the fight before the end. Striking or maybe on my ground game, everything is possible with me because I'm well-rounded."
