Francis Ngannou unifies UFC heavyweight title with unanimous decision over Ciryl Gane

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Francis Ngannou is the perhaps most frightening power puncher in UFC history. But he reminded everyone Saturday night that he is not only that. Ngannou showed off a well-rounded game — and immeasurable heart — befitting the champion he is.

Down on the cards early, the hardest-hitting man maybe ever in MMA went to his wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu to gut out a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) win over Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 270 here at Honda Center. With the victory, Ngannou unifies the UFC undisputed heavyweight title. Gane came in as the interim champ.

«My ground game is evolving,» Ngannou said in his postfight interview.

The fight had a rich backstory, outside of the high stakes. Ngannou and Gane were sparring partners at MMA Factory until Ngannou had a public falling out with their coach, Fernand Lopez. The two overlapped on and off at the Paris gym from 2017 to 2019, when Ngannou moved his training permanently to Las Vegas. Lopez was in Gane's corner.

Ngannou and Lopez have feuded over money and recognition. Ngannou believes Lopez has taken too much credit for his success, while Lopez thinks Ngannou has stopped acknowledging MMA Factory as a key cog in his development.

ESPN has Ngannou tied for No. 4 on its pound-for-pound top MMA fighters list. At heavyweight, ESPN has Ngannou at No. 1 and Gane at No. 2.

Afterward, Ngannou said he tore his MCL ahead of Saturday's bout, but could not see himself withdrawing because he wanted to «remind people I'm the champ.»

«It's been an incredible journey,» Ngannou said. «It's been a very tough training camp. A very tough 10 months. A lot of s---.»

That includes his contract situation and acrimonious relationship with the UFC. Ngannou has