Not Lionel Messi, but Ciryl Gane received a wild welcome in Paris

Not Lionel Messi, but Ciryl Gane received a wild welcome in Paris

Lionel Messi and Ciryl Gane

Ciryl Gane earned a stunning win over Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC 265. Gane became the first Frenchman to win a UFC champion, as he earned the interim heavyweight title. ‘Bon Gamin’ also set up a title fight with former sparring partner Francis Ngannou. The fight is expected to take place sometime in late 2021, or early 2022.

Gane was delighted following his victory. He dedicated his title win to MMA Factory – the gym in Paris he fights out of. MMA Factory was founded by Fernand Lopez (former Cameroonian mixed martial artist) who is the head coach of Gane. The Interim heavyweight champion recently returned to Paris, and received a hero’s welcome. A ton of people queued up to meet the champ.

Gane posted the video the same on social media with much gratitude. He captioned the same: “Thank you everyone for this incredible moment, it warms my heart to see this craze, it was important for me to share this with you. And thank you MMA for giving us this kind of moment.” [translated to English]

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“You’re a bigger deal in France, than Lionel Messi” – Ariel Helwani to Ciryl Gane

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In the latest episode of MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani on MMA Fighting’s YouTube channel, the reporter discussed a myriad of topics with Ciryl Gane. One among them was the hero’s welcome he received in Paris, comparing it to legendary footballer Lionel Messi’s recent arrival to French Club Paris St-Germain.

The footballing great signed as a free agent for PSG after spending his entire career in Barcelona previously. He is set to make his debut soon.

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Helwani told Gane, “It felt like there were more people there than when Leo Messi showed up for Paris St-Germain. It felt like there were more people for your thing. Unbelievable.” Gane replied, “That’s true. That’s true!”

Helwani continued, “You’re a bigger deal in France, than Leo Messi. You should say that, put that on the shirt. Don’t be humble anymore.” [h/t firstsportz.com]

Gane is just a step away from greatness. It has been just three years since he made his MMA debut, and two years since he stepped inside the Octagon. He has all the technical abilities to pose a real threat to the vicious power and brawn of Ngannou.

Also Read: Who holds the record for most wins in UFC history?

Also Read: Ciryl Gane MMA Record: What is the French champion’s mixed martial record?