Imagine stepping into the biggest fight of your life, only to have your victory overshadowed by whispers of foul play—that's the dramatic tale we're diving into today with Ciryl Gane's showdown against Junior Dos Santos. But here's where it gets controversial: did Gane really earn his knockout win fairly, or was there a sneaky edge that sparked endless debate? Stick around, because this isn't just about punches and kicks; it's a story of triumph, accusations, and the gray areas that keep MMA fans arguing late into the night.
Ciryl Gane, the talented French fighter known as 'Bon Gamin,' made a bold statement in the UFC heavyweight world when he faced off against the legendary Junior Dos Santos in the Octagon. For newcomers to mixed martial arts, think of the UFC as the premier league of combat sports, where fighters showcase striking, grappling, and submission skills in a cage. Gane had just joined the promotion in 2019 and was riding a wave of three straight wins, surprising everyone with two submission victories despite his roots in kickboxing and punching power. This matchup against 'Cigano' (Dos Santos' nickname) was his chance to prove he could dominate on his feet, and boy, did he deliver.
Fast-forward to the present, and Gane is gearing up for another shot at glory. On October 25, he'll head to Abu Dhabi for UFC 321, where he'll challenge Tom Aspinall in the main event. For beginners, this isn't just any fight—it's for the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship, the ultimate prize meaning there's no other titleholder claiming superiority. This will be Gane's third crack at that coveted belt, following heartbreaking defeats to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Those losses stung, but they also built his resume, showing he's tough enough to go toe-to-toe with the elite. And this is the part most people miss: Gane's journey isn't just about winning; it's about bouncing back and proving doubters wrong time and again.
But let's rewind to 2020, when Gane truly announced himself. At UFC 256, he squared off against the former heavyweight champion, Junior Dos Santos, who was a force in his prime with knockouts and submissions that made him a fan favorite. Gane, eager to highlight his striking prowess, kept the fight standing from the start. Neither fighter wanted to hit the mat, and the first round was a tense exchange of misses and near-misses. With seconds ticking down, Dos Santos unleashed a powerful left hook and overhand right that forced Gane to backpedal, but the round ended without a decisive blow.
The second round shifted the momentum. Gane unleashed his kicking game, peppering Dos Santos' lead leg with heavy strikes that began to hobble the Brazilian veteran. Midway through, a sharp jab from Gane rattled Dos Santos, sending him stumbling toward the cage. Then came the clinch—where fighters tie up close to avoid wild swings—and Gane connected with a devastating elbow that floored Dos Santos. What followed was a flurry of ground-and-pound, which for MMA novices means raining down punches from above while your opponent is down, and the referee wisely stopped the fight. It was a knockout victory that ended Dos Santos' UFC run on a sour note, after a string of four consecutive losses.
Yet, the drama didn't end there. Right after the buzzer, Dos Santos voiced his frustration, claiming some of those final blows struck the back of his head—an illegal move in MMA rules that could nullify a win. Commentator Joe Rogan, always quick with his take, jumped in: 'It looks like it might have been the back of the head,' he said initially. But Rogan didn't stop at criticism; he defended Gane, explaining that because Dos Santos was ducking and dodging, the strikes landed more toward the ear than truly behind the head, making it a legal hit. This interpretation sparked heated debates among fans and experts alike. And this is where opinions truly divide: was Rogan right to stand by Gane, or was this a case of bending the rules?
Years later, the controversy simmered when Dos Santos watched Gane's knockout of Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris in 2024. On social media (formerly Twitter, now X), the retired champ fired off: 'What a dirty fighter this Gane is. Again hitting the back of the head. Now what will those “fight experts” say about it?' It was a clear jab, accusing Gane of unethical tactics that prioritized winning over fair play. For those new to this, accusations of being 'dirty' in fighting often stem from perceived rule-bending, like targeting vulnerable spots, and they can tarnish a fighter's reputation even if officials deem it legal.
So, what's your take on this? Do you side with Joe Rogan, seeing Gane's win as a smart, legal maneuver in the heat of battle, or do you agree with Dos Santos that it crosses into unsportsmanlike territory? Is controversy like this what makes MMA thrilling, or does it undermine the sport's integrity? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's hear if you're team Gane or team Fair Fight!
