Francis Ngannou explains why Alex Pereira is a good match-up for Ciryl Gane

Ngannou shared his assessment with TMZ Sports, offering a detailed view on how he expects the fight to play out.

“It’s going to be an interesting fight. I think Alex Pereira is very tough, he’s big enough, he’s a heavyweight. But, in this scenario, the positions shift a little bit, because Ciryl Gane looks to come more with a strategy of a lighter person because he moves a lot. He’s fast and this,” he began by saying.

He added: “I think Alex Pereira will be more stiff, stable, and strong, solid. Ciryl will be faster, moving around as it’s his technique, he’s good at that. It’s going to be very difficult for Alex Pereira to even get close to the distance to figure out what he can do. Ciryl will be managing the distance, picking apart, getting him frustrated. So I think it’s a very good matchup for Ciryl Gane.”

Ngannou’s view is shaped by his own experience against Gane, having defeated him at UFC 270 in January 2022.

That fight proved far from straightforward, with Ngannou forced to rely on grappling to secure a decision win.

Gane’s movement and control created problems for him and ‘The Predator’ had to change his gameplan to keep the heavyweight belt.

Former UFC champion, Glover Teixeira disagrees with Francis Ngannou

Ngannou’s stance is not shared by everyone close to Pereira, with his coach Glover Teixeira offering a different perspective.

Speaking previously on Overdogs Brasil podcast, Teixeira described Gane as the ideal opponent for Pereira at heavyweight.

He said: “Cyril Gane is a fast guy, he can come in and out, but I think it’s a very good matchup for Poatan; it’s the best matchup.”

That contrast highlights the tactical uncertainty surrounding the fight and how styles could clash on the night.

Pereira’s power and composure will test Gane, while the Frenchman’s movement could frustrate his opponent.

Only the fight itself will determine which assessment proves correct.