Francis Ngannou told Cyril Gane he respected him during their face-off ahead of their UFC 270 showdown but has vowed the pair will go to war.
The Cameroon star will make the maiden defence of his heavyweight title against the talented Frenchman, in what is the final fight under his current UFC contract.
His opponent is undefeated during his time in the promotion and is looking to become champion under the guidance of Ngannou's former trainer Fernand Lopez.