Ciryl Gane understands why UFC President Dana White could not have been enchanted with the head of the UFC Fight Night 186 poster.
Gane (8-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) won a relatively straightforward unanimous decision over Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in Saturday’s heavyweight main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas . It was his first headline spot and apparently White wasn’t thrilled with what he saw.
Although White did not attend the UFC Fight Night 186 press conference after the fight, she aired some reflections on Gane’s victory via Yahoo! Sportsman Kevin Iole, who shared the message directly with Gane.
“Everyone talks about Ciryl being this great candidate, but look what Francis Ngannou did to Jairzinho,” White wrote to Iole. “This was his party and his opportunity to show the world who he is. He won, but let’s leave it at that. He won.”
Gane said he understands White’s perspective, though he doesn’t take responsibility for it. The boxing team of Jon Anik, Michael Bisping and Paul Felder made it very hot for Rozenstruik, who connected with just 42 significant attacks in the 25th minute, compared to Gane’s 102.
There was no highlight or dramatic moment in the fight. And for that reason, Gane said he understood why White might have been disappointed.
“I can understand that,” Gane said. “He is the boss and wants to make money, so you want the boy to be able to sell. People want the show. They want the big KO. So yeah, I don’t finish the fight. I’ve tried, but I don’t. I can understand that (criticism), but I’m fine. “
Leaving all that aside, Gane said he feels very positive about the win. He has just beaten a more experienced rival in his first major UFC event to advance 8-0 in his career, and is content with the effort he put in to get there.
“I think I did well,” Gane said. “I managed the fight from foot to foot. I tried to get down. I made the retreat. I think I’ve done well from foot to foot. “