The first major UFC event of the 2022 schedule is quite the tantalising prospect.
Headlined by an undisputed heavyweight title clash between current incumbent Francis Ngannou and interim champion Ciryl Gane, it certainly is quite the way to kick off the New Year inside the octagon.
Former teammates under trainer Fernand Lopez, Ngannou’s split from the party has caused bad blood and his rather public desire to be afforded more reward by Dana White has shone a further spotlight on the promotion.
There is, of course, the rather large shadow of Tyson Fury, too. While exhibition events are largely scoffed at, the WBO heavyweight champion’s recent hint that he would be interested in fighting Ngannou is simply too big to ignore. Indeed, this could well be the champions’ last UFC bout for a while.
Ngannou, unsurprisingly, weighed in the heavier of the two and is favourite to win but was in a reflective mood at the pre-fight press conference.
“I want to win this fight, but if I lost, it’s fine. I don’t think that takes anything out of me as a man. I have done a lot as a man.
“Even if this was the end, well, I’ll say I did it. Not many people in their lifetime, even those who have better opportunities than I, can tell the same story as me. I’m happy where I am.”
The chief support act of the night sees Brandon Moreno defend his flyweight title against Deiveson Figueiredo while there are plenty of prelim to enjoy before the main action gets underway.
UFC 270: Ngannou vs Gane TV channel and live stream
TV channel: Coverage will start on BT Sport 2 at 1am GMT on Sunday January 23, 2022. The main event is not expected to start until 5am GMT.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the even through the BT Sport App.
UFC 270: Ngannou vs Gane card in full
Main card
Francis Ngannou vs Ciryl Gane (UFC Heavyweight Championship)
Brandon Moreno vs Deivesen Figueiredo (UFC Flyweight Championship)
Michel Pereira va Andre Fialho (Welterweight)
Cody Stamann vs Said Nurmagomedov
Prelims
Rodolfo Vieira vs Wellington Turman (Middleweight)
Raoni Barcelos vs Victor Henry (Bantamweight)
Ilia Topuria va Charles Jourdain (Featherweight)
Jack Della Maddalena vs Pete Rodriguez (Welterweight)
Early prelims
Tony Graveley vs Saimon Oliveria (Bantamweight)
Trevin Giles vs Michael Morales (Welterweight)
Silvanna Gomez Juaraz vs Vaness Dempoulos (Women’s strawweight)
Matt Frevoal vs Genaro Valdez (Lightweight)
Kay Hansen vs Jasmine Jasudavicius (Women’s flyweight)
UFC 270: Ngannou vs Gane prediction
The notion of two heavyweights going head-to-head inside the octagon isn’t always the most exciting but Ngannou vs Gane is a mouth-watering prospect.
Gane is perhaps the more well-rounded fighter but Ngannou’s power is a sight to behold.
Ngannou to win via unanimous decision.
UFC 270: Weigh-in
Results in pounds
Francis Ngannou (257) vs. Ciryl Gane (247)
Brandon Moreno (124) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (124)
Andre Fialho (169.5) vs. Michel Pereira (170)
Cody Stamann (135.5) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (136)
Michael Morales (170) vs. Trevin Giles (170)
