Ciryl Gane Professional MMA Record and Career Statistical Analysis

As of April 2026, Ciryl Gane holds a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 13 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest. Known by his moniker "Bon Gamin," the French heavyweight has established himself as one of the most technically proficient strikers in the history of the UFC heavyweight division. His journey from a late-starting prospect to an interim champion and perennial title contender represents a shift in the heavyweight meta, moving away from raw power toward fluid movement and high-level fight IQ.

Current Professional Record Summary

The record reflects Gane’s balanced approach to finishing fights. While nearly half of his victories come by way of knockout or technical knockout, his background in Muay Thai and his evolving grappling game have allowed him to find diverse paths to victory against the elite of the 265-pound division.

Recent Performance and Upcoming Schedule

The most recent chapter in Gane’s career has been marked by high-stakes encounters and technical evolution. His standing in the division remains at the pinnacle, currently holding a top-tier ranking as he navigates the landscape of the heavyweight elite.

UFC 321: The Unfinished Business Against Tom Aspinall

In October 2025, Gane faced Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 in a highly anticipated clash for the undisputed heavyweight title. The fight was viewed as a meeting of the two most "modern" heavyweights—fighters who move like light heavyweights but hit with the force of giants. Unfortunately for fans and the fighters alike, the bout ended in a No Contest at 4:35 of the first round. An accidental eye poke from Gane rendered Aspinall unable to continue according to the ringside physician. Prior to the stoppage, the round showed a tactical chess match, with Gane utilizing his trademark feints to negate Aspinall’s explosive entries.

UFC 310: The Volkov Rematch

In December 2024, Gane silenced critics regarding his grappling and endurance by securing a split decision victory over Alexander Volkov. While the decision was debated by some analysts, the official record shows Gane’s ability to win the "invisible" phases of the fight—clinch control and cage pressure. This victory was crucial in rebounding from previous title-fight setbacks and proved that his striking remains the gold standard in the division.

Future Outlook: Facing Alex Pereira

The next milestone for Gane is scheduled for June 14, 2026. He is set to face the legendary multi-division champion Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight championship. This matchup is widely considered a "dream fight" for kickboxing purists, pitting Gane’s fluid, evasive Muay Thai style against the devastating "left hook of death" and forward pressure of Pereira.

Comprehensive Fight History and Evolution

To understand the 13-2-1 record, one must look at the progression of Gane’s career from the regional scenes in Canada to the brightest lights in Las Vegas.

The Rise in TKO Major League MMA

Ciryl Gane’s professional MMA journey began in 2018 under the tutelage of Fernand Lopez at the MMA Factory in Paris. Unlike many heavyweights who spend years on the regional circuit, Gane was fast-tracked due to his elite athletic profile.

• Bobby Sullivan (August 2018): Gane debuted by winning the vacant TKO Heavyweight Championship via a front choke in the first round.
• Adam Dyczka (September 2018): His first title defense came against a heavy hitter. Gane dismantled him via TKO in the second round.
• Roggers Souza (May 2019): A first-round TKO victory cemented his status as the best heavyweight outside the major promotions, catching the attention of UFC scouts.

Entering the UFC: The 2019-2021 Surge

Gane entered the UFC and immediately embarked on a win streak that is rarely seen in the volatile heavyweight division.

• Raphael Pessoa (August 2019): A dominant submission win (arm-triangle choke) showed that Gane was more than just a kickboxer.
• Don'Tale Mayes (October 2019): Gane made history by winning via a heel hook in the third round, a rarity for a man of his size.
• Tanner Boser (December 2019): This was Gane’s first true test of pace. He won a clear unanimous decision, showcasing his ability to maintain a high output over 15 minutes.
• Junior dos Santos (December 2020): In a "passing of the torch" moment, Gane finished the former champion via TKO in the second round. While controversial to some due to the elbow placement, it established Gane as a top-five contender.
• Jairzinho Rozenstruik (February 2021): A five-round masterclass in distance management. Gane shut down one of the most dangerous power punchers in the world to win a unanimous decision.
• Alexander Volkov (June 2021): Their first meeting was a striking clinic. Gane outworked the veteran Russian over five rounds, proving he had the cardio to lead the division.

The Path to Interim Gold: UFC 265

In August 2021, Gane faced Derrick Lewis in Lewis’s hometown of Houston for the interim heavyweight title. It was a flawless performance. Gane landed 112 significant strikes compared to Lewis’s 16, eventually finding the TKO finish in the third round. This victory made Gane the first French-born fighter to hold a UFC title, marking a historic moment for European MMA.

Analyzing the Losses: The Challenges of the Elite

The two "2" in Gane’s 13-2 record came at the hands of two of the greatest fighters to ever grace the Octagon. These losses provided the blueprint for his subsequent improvements.

UFC 270 vs. Francis Ngannou

This was the unification bout for the undisputed title. Gane won the first two rounds convincingly with his movement. However, Ngannou surprised the world by utilizing a wrestling-heavy game plan. Gane was unable to get off the bottom in the later rounds, losing a unanimous decision. This fight highlighted a gap in Gane’s defensive wrestling and bottom-game transitions at that specific point in his career.

UFC 285 vs. Jon Jones

In March 2023, Gane faced Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight title. The fight ended quickly as Jones secured a guillotine choke in the first round. This loss was a significant psychological hurdle for Gane, as it occurred in just over two minutes. It forced a complete overhaul of his grappling camp and a renewed focus on defensive awareness against elite-level chain wrestling.

Technical Statistical Breakdown

Gane’s record is underpinned by some of the most impressive statistics in the heavyweight division. Data provided by official UFC tracking highlights why he is so difficult to beat.

Striking Metrics

• Significant Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM): 5.26. This is exceptionally high for a heavyweight, where the average is usually between 2.5 and 3.5.
• Striking Accuracy: 61%. This efficiency means Gane rarely wastes energy, a key factor in his five-round endurance.
• Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM): 2.23. His defensive movement allows him to take significantly less damage than his peers.
• Striking Defense: 62%. Gane avoids nearly two-thirds of the strikes thrown at him, often by using his 81-inch reach and lateral movement.

Grappling and Wrestling Metrics

• Takedown Defense: 44%. This has historically been his "Achilles' heel," though recent performances against Spivac and Volkov suggest this number is trending upward due to better sprawl timing and cage-walking techniques.
• Submission Average per 15 Minutes: 0.61. Despite being a striker, Gane is an opportunistic submission artist, particularly with chokes.

Key Victories and Methodologies

The TKO of Tai Tuivasa (September 2022)

In the first-ever UFC Paris event, Gane faced Tai Tuivasa. After being dropped in the second round—the first time he had been significantly hurt in the UFC—Gane showed incredible heart. He adjusted his target to Tuivasa’s midsection, using front kicks and body shots to drain the Australian’s gas tank before finishing him with a barrage of punches in the third. This fight earned "Fight of the Night" honors and proved Gane’s durability.

The Dominance Over Serghei Spivac (September 2023)

Facing a decorated grappler in Spivac, Gane delivered a masterpiece of anti-wrestling. He used his jabs and lateral movement to never allow Spivac to settle into a shot. The second-round TKO was a surgical performance that reaffirmed his place at the top of the division following the Jones loss.

What defines the "Bon Gamin" Style?

The record of 13-2-1 is a result of a specific philosophical approach to fighting:

1. Lateral Movement: Unlike traditional heavyweights who move forward and back, Gane circles constantly, making it impossible for opponents to set their feet for power shots.
2. The Jab as a Power Tool: Gane uses his jab not just to measure distance but to snap the head back and cause damage over time.
3. Feints and Psychology: Gane throws hundreds of "half-beats" and feints per fight, overloading his opponent's sensory processing and making them hesitant to counter.
4. Kicking Versatility: From oblique kicks to the knee to spinning back kicks to the liver, his arsenal is deeper than anyone else in the current heavyweight top ten.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Ciryl Gane's current MMA record?

As of early 2026, his record is 13 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest.

Who has defeated Ciryl Gane?

Only two fighters have officially defeated Gane: Francis Ngannou (via unanimous decision at UFC 270) and Jon Jones (via submission at UFC 285).

Does Ciryl Gane have a background in other combat sports?

Yes, before MMA, Gane had a highly successful professional Muay Thai career. He amassed a record of 14-0 with 9 knockouts, holding national titles in France and competing at a world-class level.

Why was his fight with Tom Aspinall a No Contest?

The fight at UFC 321 was ruled a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke in the first round. Under unified MMA rules, if an accidental foul occurs before a certain point in the fight and the fighter cannot continue, it is declared a No Contest rather than a Technical Decision.

What is Ciryl Gane's reach and height?

Gane stands 6 feet 5 inches tall (196 cm) and possesses an 81-inch reach (206 cm).

When is Ciryl Gane's next fight?

He is scheduled to fight Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title on June 14, 2026.

Summary of Legacy and Future

The Ciryl Gane record is more than a list of wins and losses; it is a blueprint for the future of the heavyweight division. By prioritizing technical precision, cardiovascular endurance, and defensive movement over the traditional "one-punch knockout" strategy, Gane has forced his contemporaries to evolve. While his losses to legends like Ngannou and Jones highlight areas for growth, his resilience and consistent performance against top-tier contenders like Volkov, Lewis, and Tuivasa ensure his place in the Hall of Fame conversation. As he prepares for his 2026 clash with Alex Pereira, the "Bon Gamin" era continues to be one of the most intriguing storylines in combat sports.