UFC Fight Night heads to Paris, where the Accor Arena will host a heavyweight clash between top-10 contenders Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac. While Gane will enjoy huge home support, Spivac presents a tough matchup with a combat style that will test the Frenchman. Read on for our full analysis.

Ciryl Gane v Serghei Spivac fight preview

Ciryl Gane vs Serghei Spivac

Ciryl Gane (11-2-0) most recently came up short when challenging Jon Jones for the UFC heavyweight crown, submitting in the opening minutes. Gane failed to land a single significant strike and had no answers to the elite wrestling and grappling of the reigning champ.

The loss highlighted the obvious weakness in the Frenchman’s game, and fans can only hope that his corner has worked on his grappling skills since the abrupt loss. The No.2-ranked contender boasts wins over Tai Tuivasa, Derrick Lewis, and Alexander Volkov, all noted strikers.

Gane is a world-class kickboxer who moves with the speed and agility of a much smaller man, and his only career MMA losses have occurred when he failed to remain on his feet. This deficiency is bound to be tested this weekend against a fighter with the ability to take down almost any opponent.

Serghei Spivac (16-3-0) has enjoyed a rapid run up the heavyweight rankings with a 6-1 record since 2020. The Moldovan’s only loss during this period was to Tom Aspinall, who appears destined to hoist the heavyweight belt one day soon.

Spivac’s list of vanquished opponents includes Derrick Lewis, Augusto Sakai, and Greg Hardy. He is a scrappy wrestler who pursues relentless takedown opportunities and possesses a heavy ground game that includes strikes and submissions. The 28-year-old has a solid gas tank for a heavyweight and can tire out opponents by taking top position and forcing them to defend for long periods.

Spivac suffers a three-inch reach disadvantage here and cannot afford to fall into a jabbing and kicking war against the longer-range kickboxing of Gane. His best chance to win this contest appears to be in the early rounds, before Gane can establish his range patiently and chip away with straight kicks to the body and low kicks to the legs.

Ciryl Gane v Serghei Spivac betting predictions

This matchup will be decided by where the action takes place. If Gane’s takedown defence has not improved, he will quickly find himself on his back. If the action remains upright, Gane will be able to utilise his superior striking to earn the win. The generous odds available for Spivac are surprising, so we are obliged to tip to him in what appears to be a very competitive matchup of contrasting styles.

More sports betting picks