UFC 265 now has a heavyweight title fight, but undisputed champion Francis Ngannou is neither amused or involved.
Undefeated No. 3 Ciryl Gane (9-0-0), who recently defeated No. 5 Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 30 this past Sunday will face No. 2 Derrick Lewis (25-7-0) for the interim title, UFC president Dana White revealed to ESPN today.
I never say no to challenges. 🏆
Thank you @mgmtfactory for this supersonic rise.@fernandlopez, we got work to do !#AnyoneAnywhere pic.twitter.com/1lnAxiVB37
— Ciryl Gane (@ciryl_gane) June 28, 2021
The matchup ruffled the feathers of Ngannou, who won the title from Stipe Miocic less than three months ago at UFC 260 in March, but apparently was not available to defend the title in August.
Earlier this year, Ngannou was reported to be involved in a potential title fight with former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones but those talks between White and Jones broke down.
The development comes after Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) was unavailable to defend his title in June or August. White said the company believes Lewis and Gane are deserving of a title shot now.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 28, 2021
Per Ngannou’s agent, Marquel Martin … “This comes as a complete shock. To make an interim title so soon, if you look at the history of this division, it comes as a surprise. We hope to get clarity and figure out something with the UFC soon.”
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 28, 2021
Ngannou took to social media to voice his displeasure with the development.
I remember my interim title fight against Jairzinho …. oh wait 🙄
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 28, 2021
Nothing has been right here https://t.co/SIeM9uEfBG
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 28, 2021
White is on record earlier saying that Lewis is the No. 1 contender for the belt. “The Black Beast,” 36, is on a four fight win streak, including a TKO win over Curtis Blaydes in February at UFC Vegas 19. He took to Instagram to voice a quick message.
UFC 265 is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Announced matches include:
DERRICK LEWIS (25-7-0) VS. CIRYL GANE (9-0-0)
KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ (12-6-0) VS. JESSICA PENNE (13-8-0)
AMANDA NUNES (21-4-0) VS. JULIANNA PENA (10-4-0)
ALONZO MENIFIELD (10-2-0) VS. ED HERMAN (26-14-0, 1NC)
VICENTE LUQUE (20-7-1) VS. MICHAEL CHIESA (18-4-0)
TECIA TORRES (12-5-0) VS. ANGELA HILL (13-9-0)
CASEY KENNEDY (16-3-1) VS. YONG SADONG (16-5-1, 1NC)
VICTORIA LEONARDO (8-3-0) VS. MELISSA GATTO (6-0-2)
JOSE ALDO (29-7-0) VS. PEDRO MUNHOZ (19-5-0, 1NC)
JOHNNY MUNOZ JR. (10-1-0) VS. JAMEY SIMMONS (7-3-0)
VINCE MORALES (9-5-0) VS. DRAKO RODRIGUEZ (7-2-0)
More bouts are expected to be announced.
