Francis Ngannou vs Ciryl Gane: Role Reversal

Why the champion deserves credit for an uncharacteristic performance.

Francis Ngannou turned in one of the most impressive performances of his career last weekend.

Granted, it was by no means a thrilling affair.

He also struggled more than he has with any of his victories in the past, and had relatively little success with his primary skill set - namely, his ability to land punches and damage Gane on the feet.

However, to me this is what makes it so impressive.

Approaching the fight, the narrative was largely one which saw Gane touted as the skilled technician and Ngannou as the devastating finisher - if the fight was to go to a decision it would be in favour of Gane, and Ngannou would have to pull off the knockout to retain his belt.

Instead, we saw a man that’s been heavily criticised in the past for his cardio and one-dimensionality make a critical adjustment to his strategy in the third round of the fight - and then consistently find success with that approach throughout the rest of the fight, despite tiring.

This, against one of the most naturally talented heavyweights we’ve ever seen and using a part of his game that he has never even displayed before - a part of his game we didn’t know existed.

The mark of a great champion is the ability to win ugly, and for many this was an ability that Ngannou seemingly didn’t possess. That is understandable, too - he has never previously won a fight in which he didn’t simply overpower and finish his opponent.

Last weekend that changed, and the champion deserves immense credit for it.

Should it have been Gane who was out struck early and resorted to wrestling his way to victory he would have been commended for his fight IQ and versatility. Francis Ngannou should get the same treatment.