Ciryl Gane Claims Seven Fighters Turned Down Bout At UFC Fight Night Uruguay

Ciryl Gane is going to be making his UFC debut this weekend on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night Uruguay against Raphael Pessoa. 

Pessoa wasn’t the first fighter who was offered a bout against Gane, as Gane claims seven others turned the opportunity down.

“The matchmakers had to go to seven people to find someone to fight me on the roster,” Gane said to MMA Junkie. “There wasn’t anyone ready to give me that chance to fight me. I guess because I don’t have a big name yet, they didn’t see any interest to fight me. Anyway, there were seven people who turned back the contract from the UFC. At this point, the UFC had to hire someone to face me on that card in Uruguay. It’s not that bad because I don’t have that much experience. I think it’s good that he doesn’t have the UFC experience like I don’t have so we will have time to grow together and take it step by step.”

Gane isn’t the only fighter making his UFC debut in that bout, as Pessoa is also making his promotional debut.

Another thing that Gane plans on doing is representing the country of France if the UFC runs their first ever event in country next year.

“There aren’t a lot of French guys on the roster in the UFC,” Gane said. “Right now, it would be an honor for me to represent my country in my hometown. That would be amazing. Also, I think there’s someone the UFC needs to sign back. That’s Taylor Lapilus, my teammate. He was in the UFC for four fights and only lost one in a decision in Mexico. This guy is amazing and he’s now the champion in TKO. He’s the double champion in Germany. I think the guy is ready to go back in the UFC. So, I’ll be preparing for when the UFC comes to Paris so I can be on the same card.”

UFC Fight Night Uruguay takes place on Saturday, August 10 from the Antel Arena in Montevideo, Uruguay with Valentina Shevchenko and Liz Carmouche headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.