UFC Fight Night First Look: Gane vs. Tuivasa (Archive)
Following their highly successful return to live arena events earlier this year, the UFC and their production team head back to European waters with a live show in Paris, France.
Top-ranked heavyweight contenders Ciryl Gane and former Tai Tuivasa will meet in the center of the octagon for next weekend’s main event.
Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at Gane and Tuivasa, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC picks, predictions, and analysis.
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Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa
UFC Heavyweight Main Event Bout
Saturday, September 3, 2022 – 02:00 PM EDT at Accor Arena
Ciryl “Bon Gamin” Gane
- Professional MMA record: (10-1-0)
Following his first-ever professional MMA loss at the hands of Francis Ngannou, France’s own Ciryl Gane will return home in hopes of derailing a prospect in Tai Tuivasa that could position him back into the title picture.
Gane arrived on the UFC roster in 2019 and tore through the division with a seven-fight win streak. During Ngannou’s absence, Gane extended his respect by stopping Derrick Lewis inside three rounds to capture the interim heavyweight title.
Muay Thai vs. The Cage
Following a decorated and undefeated muay thai career, the exceptional striking skills of Ciryl Gane were put to the test inside an MMA cage. Three years later, Gane has collected an impressive combat sports record and a championship level of experience.
Having already avoided the fight-ending power of Lewis and Ngannou, the Frenchman is now tasked with another opponent who boasts a significant knockout percentage. However, he does own the most noteworthy striking defense on the heavyweight roster, and his durability is yet to be tested inside the cage.
Ciryl Gane MMA Accomplishments
- Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion (One time)
- UFC Performance of the Night (Two times)
- TKO World Heavyweight Champions (One time, two defenses)
- AFMT National Muay Thai Champion (One time, one defense)
Ciryl Gane Best Available Odds: (-565) with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review).
Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa
- Professional MMA record: (15-3-0)
After five year’s competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts, Tai Tuivasa went from being ‘the guy who drinks beer from a shoe’, to a well-respected knockout artist. With an 8-3 promotional record, Tuivasa is one significant victory short of earning a title opportunity.
The Australian fan favorite suffered a 3-fight losing streak in 2018/19, but since then, he’s finished all of his opponents via KO/TKO, and seven of his eight UFC successes were also stopped inside the distance.
Boxing vs. The Cage
The former boxer turned MMA professional will undoubtedly be overlooked this weekend, and the bookmaker's odds reflect this. Still, an age, power, and a 5-fight win streak boost the confidence and provide another shoe filled with beer for a sixth consecutive time.
Most recently known for his friendship with the Nelk Boys and his patented 'Shoey' celebration, Tuivasa can earn his championship opportunity if he can do the unthinkable and defeat Gane.
Tai Tuivasa MMA Accomplishments
- UFC Performance of the Night (Four times)
- AFC Heavyweight Champion (One time)
Tai Tuivasa Best Available Odds: (+440) at GTBets (visit out GTBets Review).
UFC Paris: Gane vs Tuivasa Breakdown and Analysis
Gane Style and How Can Gane Defeat Tuivasa?
Gane proved the doubters wrong when he nullified the fight-ending power of Derrick Lewis in an interim title fight and pounded the Texan into defeat. However, the unpredictable grappling skills of Ngannou brought the Frenchman back to reality in his first-ever loss.
This shouldn’t be an issue next weekend, as Tuivasa isn’t going to pose a grappling threat, and we should expect a striking war.
Slick footwork and light-footed movement behind a striking offense that excels from range will force Tuivasa to work his boxing skills on the inside. With a likely chance of frustrating Tuivasa, Gane could find the fight-ending moment similar to how he finished Lewis.
Tuivasa Fight Style and How Can Tuivasa Defeat Gane?
For Tuivasa, low kicks and patience will be imperative in his chance of success. He isn’t going to defeat Gane in a technical striking battle, but he can undoubtedly find himself inside Gane’s range to land that fight-ending shot.
Tuivasa isn’t afraid to bite down and throw leather, these moments become a 50/50 opportunity for most heavyweights, but he should remain cautious of Gane’s intelligent decision-making.
Power and aggression will favor the Aussie, and waiting for the perfect moment to deliver those KO shots could easily turn Gane’s lights out.
Ciryl Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa: Prediction and Odds
The available UFC odds at top-rated sportsbooks favor Gane, and it’s hard to disagree. However, with odds of -500 and above, there isn’t much value to find, especially considering the volatility involved in heavyweight bouts.
Tuivasa will recognize he cannot allow this fight to go all five rounds; this will heavily favor Gane’s chance of success. This will cause Tuivasa to force a brawl, and I envision one of the two men going to sleep.
UFC Pick: Under 2 ½ Rounds (+110) [1u returns 1.10u profit] at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.