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French heavyweight Ciryl Gane delivered an emphatic ending to the first-ever UFC event in his home nation, taking damage from vaunted slugger Tai Tuivasa before rallying for a third-round stoppage.
The thrilling matchup headlined Saturday's UFC Fight Night 209 event from Paris' Accor Arena.
Tuivasa took the center of the cage to start the fight, while Gane looked to stay outside and use his reach advantage to attack from range. The crowd provided an electric atmosphere, chanting the French national anthem at a volume that drew acknowledgment from both athletes, even as they patiently looked to implement their preferred tactics—Tuivasa loading up on heavy punches, and Gane looking to slip and counter while firing kicks first to the legs and then occasionally sneaking one upstairs.
Tuivasa continued to press forward in the second, though Gane was light on the feet and looked to avoid the powerful punches coming his way. Gane briefly looked for a takedown, though Tuivasa defended well before uncorking a huge right hand that sent Gane crashing to the canvas. Tuivasa rushed forward to finish with punches, but Gane was able to crawl back to his feet, where he quickly unleashed a big kick to the body and a big knees, as well.
Per Haljestam/USA TODAY Sports
