Long-time boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas has made a bold claim for the upcoming heavyweight title match at UFC 270. Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane will be squaring off to unify the interim and heavyweight championships at UFC 270 on January 22nd.
An interesting matchup of striker vs. power puncher.
When speaking with Submission Radio, Teddy Atlas made a comparison of the Ngannou-Gane fight to Wilder-Fury.
“He’s going to have that and more to beat this fella, because [Ciryl Gane] has been developed,”
“He’s had a head start on him as far as being that kind of intellectual fighter, being more than just a tough guy. And it’s going to be very interesting; it’s going to be very interesting. And I think it’s going to be interesting because of what I just said; because Ngannou has improved. But he better improve some more. He better continue improving, and he better not get himself into a firefight where he’s just depending on his power. Because if that happens, he’ll wind up in the same position as Wilder wound up against Fury.”
Tyson Fury knocked out Deontay Wilder to retain the WBC heavyweight championship this past weekend in an insane back and forth battle. Early in the fight, Fury survived a pair of huge knockdowns from Wilder. Tyson Fury would go on to knock out the ‘Bronze Bomber’ in the eleventh round of the heavyweight fight.
Since the fight, Deontay Wilder has made some comments about his performance.
“Wow, what a hell of a night! I would like to first and foremost thank God for allowing me to give the world another part of me that’s driven with passion and determination.”
“We didn’t get the win, but a wise man once said the victories are within the lessons. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to lose to win. Although, I wanted the win. I enjoyed seeing the fans win even more.”
Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane will certainly put an exciting start to 2022.
What are your predictions for the heavyweight title fight at UFC 270?
