Ciryl Gane of France speaks during a training session on December 11, 2019, in Dakar, three days before the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) league ARES. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP) (Photo by SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images)
Here’s a look at the UFC Paris winners from a monumental night in the MMA UK world
UFC Paris was a monumental stepping stone in the company’s European expansion plans. The stacked card absolutely delivered with some round the clock action.
The UFC heavyweight division is witnessing a revolution with a talent-stacked roaster. From experienced veterans, to upcoming heavy hitters, to elite competitors, the division has it all. Once lacking the excitement that it currently does, the division is slowly turning into a battleground with new challengers emerging constantly. Francis Ngannou sits on top as the heavyweight champion, however he has been sidelined with injury. Jon Jones is expected to make his much-awaited heavyweight debut. With all these exciting developments in the shelf, the division will witness some great fights in the coming times. Two of the best in the division, Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa delivered one of the best heavyweight fight this year at UFC Paris.
In the main event Ciryl Gane showed the world why he is the most crafty heavyweight in the roster presently. He was met with some strong resolute in the hands of Tai Tuivasa who chewed down on his mouth piece several times to deliver an absolute barn-burner.
The first round was basically a very tactical affair. Tuivasa showcased patience, trading low kicks with Gane as he tried to close the distance. At one point, Tuivasa did actually time a right hand counter that landed well. Gane’s movement and footwork made it difficult for Tuivasa to follow up on his attacks. Before he launched the second series of offense, Gane would be out of range.
Gane’s speed and athletic advantage took control in the second round. He was really frustrating his opponent with kicks and jabs, when out of nowhere, when Tuivasa landed a huge right hand wile backing Gane away. The right hand caught the Frenchman on the temple and dropped him. He immediately grabbed for a double leg in defense and got back to his feet. Gane countered with thudding, rib breaking, series of heavy leg kicks to the body that echoed in the stadium. Tuivasa was visibly hurt but his toughness helped him brave the pain as he fired back. The round ended with entire arena on its feet.
Gane looked like the fresher fighter going into the third round.The Frenchman continued to invest in his body attacks. Gane switched it up and went upstairs with a high kick, badly rocking the Aussie, who threw back heat anyway! Gane lighted the body yet again, and only Tuivasa’s will kept him on his feet. Still, he was badly wounded, and a final flurry of punches from “Bon Gamin” sent him to the floor,- a wounded warrior who gained the respect of everyone from the MMA community.
In the co-main event, Robert Whittaker displayed why he remains the gatekeeper of the middleweight division. He reminded everyone that there is levels in this game, and Bobby Knuckles is amongst the elite. In the words of UFC President Dana White, he would’ve been the long standing champion if it wasn’t for Israel Adesanya.
Whittaker picked apart Marvin Vettori piece by piece and dismantled his challenge. Vettori had good moments in the first round but Whittaker picked up the pace in the later rounds , and his investments earlier payed dividends as he launched a barrage of attack on the Italian. Whittaker’s timing was perfect resulting in major connections with his right hand. the Aussie’s right high kick stunned Vettori a bit, but the Italian’s iron chin allowed him to weather the storm.
Whittaker didn’t lose a step between rounds either. He kicked Vettori pretty cleanly in the face at least twice, and his right hand was on point too. Vettori once again took some major shots, including some heavy teeps to the body. Whittaker even blast doubled the wrestler! By the end of the fight, Vettori’s face wore the damage of a hard 15 minutes, and Whittaker was named the victor via unanimous decision.
Ciryl Gane def. Tai Tuivasa via KO (punches) – R3, 4:23
Robert Whittaker def. Marvin Vettori via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Nassourdine Imavov def. Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Roman Kopylov def. Alessio Di Chirico via KO (punches) – Round 3, 1:09
William Gomis def. Jarno Errens via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29)
Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Jourdain via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Abusupiyan Magomedov def. Dustin Stoltzfus via TKO (strikes) – R1, 0:19
Nasrat Haqparast def. John Makdessi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Fares Ziam def. Michal Figlak via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Benoit Saint Denis def. Gabriel Miranda via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:16
Cristian Quinonez def. Khalid Taha via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:15
Stephanie Egger def. Ailin Perez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:54
Here are the fighters who received an extra bonuses and took home a mouthwatering $50,000:
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