Here’s a bold statement: Ciryl Gane’s rise in the UFC heavyweight division has been nothing short of electrifying, but it’s also sparked some of the most heated debates in the MMA world. And this is the part most people miss—his controversial win over former champion Junior Dos Santos wasn’t just a victory; it was a turning point that divided fans and fighters alike. Let’s dive in.
When Ciryl Gane stepped into the Octagon against Junior Dos Santos, he wasn’t just fighting for a win—he was announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Fast forward to October 25, and Gane will once again chase the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship title, this time against Tom Aspinall in the main event of UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. This marks his third shot at the title, following losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. But here’s the kicker: despite those setbacks, Gane’s knockout of Dos Santos in 2020 remains one of the most talked-about moments of his career—for better or worse.
But here’s where it gets controversial… After joining the UFC in 2019, Gane quickly racked up three wins, showcasing a surprising mix of striking and submission skills. When he faced Dos Santos at UFC 256, the fight was expected to be a striking battle, and it delivered—until it didn’t. Gane’s relentless leg kicks slowed Dos Santos down, and a stiff jab midway through the second round set the stage for a clinch where Gane landed a massive elbow, followed by ground-and-pound that forced the stoppage. Sounds clean, right? Not according to Dos Santos.
Dos Santos immediately claimed that some of Gane’s finishing blows landed illegally on the back of his head. Joe Rogan, commentating live, defended Gane, arguing that Dos Santos’s movement made the strikes appear worse than they were. ‘It looks like it was [the back of the head],’ Rogan admitted, ‘but he’s ducking and moving away from the shots. It looked legal to me.’ Bold claim or fair assessment? You decide.
The fallout didn’t end there. Dos Santos later labeled Gane a ‘dirty fighter,’ especially after watching Gane’s knockout of Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris. ‘What a dirty fighter this Gane is,’ Dos Santos tweeted. ‘Again hitting the back of the head. Now what will those ‘fight experts’ say about it?’ This accusation adds another layer to Gane’s legacy—is he a calculated competitor or someone who pushes the boundaries too far?
As Gane prepares for his title fight against Aspinall, the debate rages on. Was his win over Dos Santos a masterclass in strategy, or did he cross the line? And does it matter if he’s winning fights? What do you think? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—agree or disagree, this is one discussion you won’t want to miss.
