UFC

UFC makes its debut in France on a night that may cement Gane or Tuivasa as the next heavyweight title challenger.

He's one of the best of the best. But things get started with a pair of veterans in the featherweight division when Charles Jourdain and Nathaniel Wood battle it out. That is a tall order for Tuivasa -- a high-level brawler who gives better than he gets but do not let three consecutive Fight of the Night honors fool you. Tai Tuivasa: Gane is a major favorite coming into the fight on the strength of his well-rounded game. Robert Whittaker is set to take on Marvin Vettori as the pair battle to remain relevant in the division thin on rivals to champion Israel Adesanya. I've fought a couple of champions now, and he's up there with the best for sure. His gift for drinking beers out of strangers' shoes, affectionally labelled a "shoey," has endeared him to the masses. Plus, Alessio Di Chirico and Roman Kopylov are set for another middleweight contest on the main card. A strong performance against Tuivasa assures that Gane's name remains on the tip of tongues in title conversations. The gimmick sometimes overshadows Tuivasa's natural charisma and a nasty habit of knocking out opponents. Tuivasa has knocked out all but one of his 14 victims in under seven minutes. Gane, 32, is only four years into his mixed martial arts journey but has developed a well-rounded game as evidenced by a nearly even split of KO, submission and decision wins.

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker showed Marvin Vettori why he's the No. 1-ranked fighter in their division with a dominant performance Saturday ...

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See the top Twitter reactions to Robert Whittaker's win over Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night 209.

[https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/1566180365617741825](https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/1566180365617741825) [https://twitter.com/TeddyAtlasReal/status/1566179338906730505](https://twitter.com/TeddyAtlasReal/status/1566179338906730505) [https://twitter.com/smoogymma/status/1566178181807312896](https://twitter.com/smoogymma/status/1566178181807312896) [https://twitter.com/Cagesidepress/status/1566178068569280512](https://twitter.com/Cagesidepress/status/1566178068569280512) [https://twitter.com/danhardymma/status/1566177603685318659](https://twitter.com/danhardymma/status/1566177603685318659) [https://twitter.com/FightOdds/status/1566177382972551169](https://twitter.com/FightOdds/status/1566177382972551169) [https://twitter.com/Phil_Sports/status/1566177467638992898](https://twitter.com/Phil_Sports/status/1566177467638992898) [https://twitter.com/simonhead/status/1566177352056733696](https://twitter.com/simonhead/status/1566177352056733696) [https://twitter.com/PetesyCarroll/status/1566177224025309184](https://twitter.com/PetesyCarroll/status/1566177224025309184) [https://twitter.com/PlatinumPerry/status/1566177044249051137](https://twitter.com/PlatinumPerry/status/1566177044249051137) [https://twitter.com/TeddyAtlasReal/status/1566176411286749190](https://twitter.com/TeddyAtlasReal/status/1566176411286749190) [https://twitter.com/HenryCejudo/status/1566176655126564864](https://twitter.com/HenryCejudo/status/1566176655126564864)

Whittaker continues to nip at the heels of UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Vettori is 2-2 in his last four fights, beating Paulo Costa and Kevin Holland but losing to Whittaker and Adesanya. "I'm the most dangerous man in this division, including the champion. Whittaker opened the fight in traditional Whittaker fashion, edging out his opponent with superior movement and combinations while making reads.

Ciryl Gane overcame a second-round knockdown and rallied to finish Tai Tuivasa in Round 3 on Saturday in the UFC's first card in France.

Gane landed several hard jabs, a body kick and then a head kick. Gane was clearly hurt, and Tuivasa went in for the finish, but Gane survived. Then, a head kick near the end of the round. Gane landed a knee to the body, a jab and a step-in knee to the gut. That strategy was working well until Tuivasa caught Gane with a right hook in the second round, dropping him to the canvas. Tuivasa dropped Gane in the second round.

Despite two losses to champion Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker says he deserves another shot at the middleweight belt after a unanimous decision win over ...

He put the lights out … "Honestly, Tai hit me so hard, he knocked me out. I'm just gonna be lurking there, waiting."

A rematch with heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is probably chief among them. Ngannou used his wrestling when he was fighting on an injured knee in Anaheim, ...

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PARIS : France's Ciryl Gane pulled off an electrifying knockout win over Australian Tai Tuivasa in front of a home crowd at the Accor Arena on the banks of ...

I'm gonna die rather than give up," a jubilant Gomis said in a post-fight interview as the fans roared their approval. Advertisement

Ciryl Gane bounced back from nearly being finished in the second round to knock out Tai Tuivasa in the third round in front of his hometown crowd Saturday ...

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The scenes in Paris for the UFC's first event in France were astounding. Here are the takeaways from a big night for Gane, Whittaker and the City of Lights.

The crowd roared when Gomis escaped a deep triangle from [Jarno Errens](https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/5093447/jarno-errens) in the third round and won a decision. Ziam said the "energy" of the crowd willed him out of an armbar and a bad position when [Michal Figlak](https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/4900807/michal-figlak) took his back. [Ciryl Gane](https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/4426000/ciryl-gane) and [Tai Tuivasa](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3722422/tai-tuivasa). The stands were about 75% full for the first fight and loaded with energy, a stark contrast to Las Vegas UFC shows which don't start filling up until the main card begins. The atmosphere was unmatched in MMA, save for some unreal cards in Ireland and England over the years. The crowd roared during his walkout and the loudest it was all night (up to that point) was the first round, cheering Gane's name and singing the French national anthem in unison. [Francis Ngannou](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3933168/francis-ngannou) in January. [Conor McGregor](https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3022677/conor-mcgregor), Muhammad Ali and Rocky Balboa all rolled into one, rather than a 26-year-old prospect in just his third UFC fight. He was the first French-born fighter to walk out on the UFC's first card in his home country and entered Accor Arena to a hero's welcome. It didn't end up being ominous -- it was just the collective sound of more than 15,405 fans stomping and clapping in support of their hometown UFC star. The fans were on their feet, chanting his name and treating him like one of the sport's biggest superstars. This victory puts Gane right back in the title picture, although it's a crowded picture with [Jon Jones](https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2335639/jon-jones) having the inside track to the champ.

France's Ciryl Gane (11-1-0), a former interim heavyweight champion, stopped Australian Tai Tuivasa (15-4-0) in the third round of a main event slugfest on ...

The 37-year-old Makdessi kept coming forward in the third but at a cost, absorbing Haqparast strikes. Jourdain went to the body but ended back on the mat after a Wood trip. His record in the promotion stands at 11-8-0. Makdessi's face began to show damage as the fight wore on with blood leaking from around his eye. The two touched gloves as a sign of respect after a busy first round. Jourdain (13-6-1) was coming off a majority-decision loss to (Hurricane) Shane Burgos in July after a late rally fell short. At five foot nine, Jourdain had a three-inch height advantage in the opening bout of the main card. "I feel incredible at this weight class," Wood, who improved to 6-2-0 in the UFC, said after the win. Tuivasa almost knocked Gane out in the second round but the French fighter somehow survived to punish Tuivasa with a string of body shots. In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Robert (The Reaper) Whittaker (24-6-0) won a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) decision over Marvin (The Italian Dream) Vettori. Hats off to Charles, he's one hell of a fighter," he added. Former welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre of Montreal was cageside for the event.

Headlining honors went to a heavyweight clash between No. 1-ranked contender Ciryl Gane—the hometown hero—and visiting Australian Tai Tuivasa, who was ranked No ...

The American showed a ton of heart in the fight, and had a strong third round, but was ultimately unable to back up his pre-fight talk. We were reminded of that in the second bout of the UFC Fight Night 210 main card, when Paris' William Gomis found himself locked up in a triangle choke in the final minute of a fight with Dutchman Jarno Errens—a fight he was on track to win by decision. But that was not the case. Former UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker was back in action in the UFC Fight Night 210 co-main event, taking on No. He entered the fight without a ranking himself, so there was potential for a massive payoff. The Australian Whittaker was the picture of dominance in the fight, out-striking his dangerous foe to a clear-cut unanimous-decision victory. The French heavyweight was incredible in the fight. Joaquin Buckley talked himself into a big opportunity at UFC Fight Night 210: a fight with No. There was a lot of pressure on Ciryl Gane's shoulders ahead of UFC Fight Night 210. 12-ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imavov, who picked up a unanimous-decision win over Joaquin Buckley on the main card. 1-ranked middleweight contender Robert Whittaker—a former champ—risk his spot against Italy's Marvin Vettori, the division's No. It marked the UFC's long-awaited debut in France, where MMA was illegal until 2019.

Robert Whittaker will do whatever it takes to fight for the UFC belt – and he doesn't care if Israel Adesanya is holding it or not.

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UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa updates at Accor Arena, Paris, France. Update narration. R3 1:00. Tai gets rocked! What a warrior Tuivasa is, ...

He already expressed his desire to take a crack out of the GOAT and he might get it if he wins tonight. He is just happy to fight and he loves every minute of it. Australian sensaiton Tai Tuivasa takes on #1 contender Ciryl Gane, who will be a local in this event because he is French. Ciryl Gane will havethe honor to headline this event as a local, he will fight knock-out artist Tai Tuivasa. He won with 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 in the cards. We have a great one coming in the Middleweight division between Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori. He gets warned by the ref. Gane wins a true battle, he is still the No. Let's hope he puts on a show, Ciryl Gane gets a massive ovation but Tuivasa has all the vibes. This one willbe hard to call in the cards. Gane landed a few bombs but Tai is looking fresh. Body kicks got the best of him, but a head-shot combination got him knocked the hell out.

Results As They Happen, Winner Interviews And More From UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa, Live From Accor Arena In Paris, France.

[Official Scorecards](https://www.ufc.com/news/official-judges-scorecards-ufc-fight-night-gane-vs-tuivasa-paris) [Watch on ESPN+](https://plus.espn.com/ufc?ex_cid=DSS-OFF-UFC-INARTICLE-EN) Louis, Missouri) [Watch on ESPN+](https://plus.espn.com/ufc?ex_cid=DSS-OFF-UFC-INARTICLE-EN) [UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Tuivasa](/event/ufc-fight-night-september-03-2022), Live From The Accor Arena In Paris, France. [Ciryl Gane](https://www.ufc.com/athlete/ciryl-gane) vs No. [Khalid Taha](/athlete/khalid-taha) tried to press forward and close the distance. With the clock winding down, the veteran connected on the choke and drew out the tap. 1 middleweight contender [Robert Whittaker](https://www.ufc.com/athlete/robert-whittaker) battling No. The Swiss judoka controlled the action on the canvas throughout, showing superior control and balance while taking advantage of Perez’s tendency to close the distance and look to clinch. The French lightweight showed a little bit of everything, hurting Figlak on the feet with long strikes and spinning attacks, battering his lead leg with heavy kicks, and significantly improved grappling, controlling the fight in every facet. 3 [Marvin Vettori](https://www.ufc.com/athlete/marvin-vettori) in the co-main event. Haqparast snapped a two-fight skid with the victory, moving to 6-4 through his first 10 UFC starts, and 14-5 overall.

'Perfect storm': All-Aussie superfight plot revealed for UFC star to take on world champ.

Rob fights for money and he wants to fight the best.” “Jai’s at the top of the food chain in Australia and one of the best guys in the world,” Day said. “But at the end of the day, Jai’s also a businessman and he’s in the business to make money. Rob’s got one more fight left on his UFC contract. “Jai’s a boxing purist and in a perfect world, he wants to unify the titles,” Lonergan said. Rob’s keen.

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker showed Marvin Vettori why he's the No. 1-ranked fighter in their division with a dominant performance Saturday ...

Ciryl Gane strengthened his claim for a heavyweight title rematch against Francis Ngannou by knocking out Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris.

Then there's the entertaining manor of Tuivasa's fights. The event in Paris was the UFC's first show in France since MMA was legalised in the country two years ago, and the French fighters on the card made it a night to remember. It remains to be seen whether Whittaker will get a third go at defeating Adesanya, should the New Zealander retain his title against Alex Pereira in November, but his legacy as a middleweight great is already cemented and a future spot in the UFC Hall of Fame surely awaits. He went into Paris on the back of a five-fight knockout streak, and he nearly made it six when he floored Gane in the second round of their back-and-forth contest. From the Moulin Rouge walkout, paying tribute to the Paris crowd, to his sportsmanship throughout the fight as he laughed and joked with Gane, the Australian's effervescent personality was on full display throughout. Gane's win over Tuivasa puts the Frenchman in pole position for a rematch with champion Francis Ngannou for the heavyweight title.

The scenes in Paris for the UFC's first event in France were astounding, here are the takeaways from a big night for Gane, Whittaker and the City of Lights.

The crowd roared when Gomis escaped a deep triangle from [Jarno Errens](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/5093447/jarno-errens) in the third round and won a decision. Ziam said the "energy" of the crowd willed him out of an armbar and a bad position when [Michal Figlak](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/4900807/michal-figlak) took his back. [Ciryl Gane](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/4426000/ciryl-gane) and [Tai Tuivasa](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3722422/tai-tuivasa). The stands were about 75% full for the first fight and loaded with energy, a stark contrast to Las Vegas UFC shows which don't start filling up until the main card begins. The atmosphere was unmatched in MMA, save for some unreal cards in Ireland and England over the years. The crowd roared during his walkout and the loudest it was all night (up to that point) was the first round, cheering Gane's name and singing the French national anthem in unison. [Francis Ngannou](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3933168/francis-ngannou) in January. [Conor McGregor](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3022677/conor-mcgregor), Muhammad Ali and Rocky Balboa all rolled into one, rather than a 26-year-old prospect in just his third UFC fight. He was the first French-born fighter to walk out on the UFC's first card in his home country and entered Accor Arena to a hero's welcome. It didn't end up being ominous -- it was just the collective sound of more than 15,405 fans stomping and clapping in support of their hometown UFC star. The fans were on their feet, chanting his name and treating him like one of the sport's biggest superstars. This victory puts Gane right back in the title picture, although it's a crowded picture with [Jon Jones](http://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2335639/jon-jones) having the inside track to the champ.

France's Ciryl Gane pulled off an electrifying knockout win over Australian Tai Tuivasa in front of a home crowd at the Accor Arena on the banks of the ...

I'm gonna die rather than give up," a jubilant Gomis said in a post-fight interview as the fans roared their approval. Do not type comments in all capital letters, or in all lower case letters, or using abbreviated text. Australian Tuivasa sent Gane crashing to the canvas with a sledgehammer right hand in the second round, but Gane roared back with a series of brutal blows to the body that almost ended the fight.

Check out all the facts and figures from UFC Fight Night 209, which saw Ciryl Gane knock out Tai Tuivasa in the main event.

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See who Ciryl Gane should fight next after his victory over Tai Tuivasa in the UFC Fight Night 209 headliner.

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UFC Middleweight Champion Israel 'The Last Stylebender' Adesanya reacts to the main and co-main events of UFC Paris.

2 ranked [Marvin Vettori](https://www.mmaweekly.com/tag/marvin-vettori). 3 ranked [Tai Tuivasa](https://www.mmaweekly.com/tag/tai-tuivasa). [Ciryl Gane](https://www.mmaweekly.com/tag/ciryl-gane) and No.