UFC fighters give predictions for Ngannou-Gane
In anticipation of Saturday's UFC 270 main event between heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and interim champ Ciryl Gane in Anaheim, theScore asked several UFC fighters for their predictions.
(Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)
Alexander Volkanovski, featherweight champion: Ciryl Gane, finish in the late rounds or decision.
Gilbert Burns, welterweight: I got Ciryl Gane by fourth-round TKO.
Calvin Kattar, featherweight: I got Francis, but I have a lot of respect for Ciryl.
Derek Brunson, middleweight: Coin flip for me. If it ends early, Francis. Anything after Round 4, Gane. But I'm excited to watch.
Beneil Dariush, lightweight: Ciryl Gane by decision.
Curtis Blaydes, heavyweight: I pick Gane.
Al Iaquinta, lightweight: I'm really pulling for Francis, but I have a feeling that Gane is going to move too well for Francis to catch him.
Matt Brown, welterweight: I got Gane. I think his footwork and technical skills will win it for him.
Shane Burgos, featherweight: Hard to pick against Francis, but leaning toward Gane in this one.
Santiago Ponzinibbio, welterweight: It's a good fight. At heavyweight, you only need one punch. That's it. Both guys have power. Both guys can finish the fight anytime. Gane is the more complete fighter, but Ngannou has brutal power. I think Gane has a better chance of winning. But I wouldn't be surprised if Ngannou knocks him out.
Sam Alvey, middleweight: In "The Avengers," The Hulk said, "I'm always angry," and then he turned and punched down the metal sky whale. That scene was based on Francis Ngannou. Francis wins.
Gerald Meerschaert, middleweight: Francis by fourth-round TKO.
Ian Heinisch, middleweight: There are two scenarios that could play out. Either Gane will pick Francis apart and get him tired, or Francis will land a big shot and knock him out.
James Krause, welterweight: Toss-up.
Marc-Andre Barriault, middleweight: I got Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision.
Zak Cummings, middleweight: I got Ciryl Gane by decision.
Ricky Glenn, lightweight: I'm going to go with Francis by first-round TKO.
Tanner Boser, heavyweight: Gane.
Jared Gordon, lightweight: Gane by fourth-round TKO.
Louis Smolka, bantamweight: Francis wins. This is not a striking sport where the gloves are big and you are allowed to stand up after knockdowns. Power is a great equalizer in our sport.
Christos Giagos, lightweight: Francis Ngannou all day.
Alexander Hernandez, lightweight: I believe Ngannou may win by knockout in the first two rounds. If not, Gane by decision.
Max Griffin, welterweight: I got Ngannou. I’m not the biggest fan of Gane. I think he point spars too much, and I’d prefer if he just smashed guys like I know he could. I like Ngannou by knockout. He has something to prove and I think he’s going to finish Gane early.
- Fighters picking Ngannou: 7
- Fighters picking Gane: 12
- Fighters undecided: 4